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2020/11/02 - Mayor's Column: Happy Veterans Day

­“AN OPEN DOOR TO O’FALLON”
A WEEKLY NOTE FROM MAYOR HERB ROACH
­­­

Recently I saw a video of the Shriners Drum and Bugle Corp performing some patriotic music in honor of the upcoming Veterans Day.  It really hit home with me because most of those in the Shriners are ex-drum corps members, as am I.

Many of us from Drum Corps wore the military uniform of our country at some point in time.  Some Army, some Air Force, and some Navy. One of them that I marched with became an Honor Guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

But the memory that really hit me when seeing the Shriners perform was that of two young men that I marched with that made the ultimate sacrifice for our Country. Those two brave soldiers will never be able to hear sounds of a drum corps again. That thought makes me appreciate this country, our soldiers, and especially those who gave all, the upmost.

They are among the over 1.1 Million US Soldiers killed in wartime, and the many more that have lost their lives not in wartime. It is through the honor and sacrifice of these heroes that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have today.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the men and women in O’Fallon that have served and that are still serving in our Military. I especially want to say thank you to my wife’s Grandfather and Father who are both retired Air Force, her brother, who is retired Navy and my Father, who was in the Army during WW II.

When I am asked to speak about O’Fallon, I’m so proud to tell people that almost 18% of our families have served or are currently serving in our Military when less than 8% of our country have ever served.

I am also proud to announce that in a recent National Survey, O’Fallon ranks #1 in the State of Illinois for affordability for Veterans and #28 in the Nation.

I hope that you can all join me on Veterans Day, and throughout the year, honoring our veterans. THANK YOU, VETERANS!

As residents of O’Fallon, you should always be able to reach out to your elected officials and ask questions about what is happening in O’Fallon. Having open communications is important to me and something I care very deeply about. Thank you for reading, and please remember, my door is always open (virtually, at least)!