Spotlight
recipients of the award were Jack Lund (2013) and Walter H. Bergenthal (2014), both of Western Springs. Lund, a World War II veteran, visits Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in westsuburban Hines on a monthly basis, while Bergenthal serves as quartermaster for Western Springs VFW Post 10778. Burr Ridge Patriot Award winners receive their names on a plaque inside village hall.
Making a difference for veterans and their families
Now that the memorial has been constructed, Ruzak said one of the committee’s primary focuses is maintaining the condition of the site. “We want this to stand out all the time,” he said. “We just don’t want to let it get run down. It’s got to be kept up topnotch.” 77th Street, the road on which the monument resides, is now also known as Memorial Drive. For Schaus and Ruzak, both of whom visit the memorial regularly, it’s “gratifying” to see visitors appreciate the tribute their village pays to veterans through the site. “I come to the memorial maybe a dozen times a month,” Schaus said, “and many, many times, there are people sitting,
watching that brick, meditating.” Ruzak said he once saw a man sit at the memorial for about 45 minutes, staring at a brick that bore the name of a loved one who served in the military. “This memorial is very special to a lot of people, which we’re thrilled at,” he said. Schaus said the committee still has funds available to improve upon the memorial. “[The memorial is] not just a bunch of statues—it’s a bunch of words,” he said. “And if you get to read all of the things around, you’ll have a real touch in your heart that it is a special place for a lot of people.” n
The Burr Ridge Veterans Memorial is located at 7700 County Line Road in Burr Ridge. For those interested in honoring a veteran, Schaus and Ruzak said there is still room available for additional bricks at the veterans memorial. Bricks cost $100. Ruzak said the committee is also still accepting nominees for the Burr Ridge Patriot Award, which will be given out at this year’s Armed Forces Day Celebration.
Eclectic, Eccentric, Exceptional... Fashioned with Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphire
SOLARIS
J E W E L RY
9 E. First Street | Hinsdale www.hinsdale60521.com |Hinsdale Magazine 17