McHenry's "Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive"-- Part 2

Stella Vogt was 16 when she started making equipment for the war effort, but said she didn't think much of it, it was just something you did to help.

The reported estimated that there were at least 500 people in Veterans Memorial Park.

This is Ron Bykowski's event and he was both the organizer and emcee of it.  He said he wanted to honor the oft-overlooked workers on the homefront.  Without their efforts, the military couldn't have fought.  "They are part of the greatest generation and without them, there was no way our military would have won the war," he said.

Each year the event honors area World War II veterans and this year around 35 were recognized.

I am hoping that next year, those who served in the U.S. Merchant Marine will be so recognized because of their perilous service.

--GreGen