More than 600 residents attend La Grange Park Veterans Memorial dedication

LA GRANGE PARK – Between 600 and 700 community members crowded in at the La Grange Park Veterans Memorial dedication according to Community Park District of La Grange Park organizers

Roy Cripe, executive director of the Community Park District of La Grange Park, said the Sept. 20 ceremony was outstanding and that the park district couldn't have asked for a better day to hold the event.

While guests filled the park, each member of the Veterans Memorial Committee took a short part in the program, which concluded with a keynote speaker as well, according to Cripe.

Cripe said the committee was elated with the ceremony's turnout, and that people in town are still talking about it.

"It was very powerful and very moving," Cripe said.

The memorial, which sits at the northeast corner of the park, is meant to represent all veterans – past, present and future. Cripe explained that the project is a "living memorial" meaning names of more veterans will be placed on the wall in the future.

Funding for the project began in July 2013, and the park district raised more than $125,000 in donations by December 2013, according to Cripe. He said the amount of money raised was incredible.

"It just goes to show you what La Grange Park is all about," Cripe said.