Mayor Patrick Brown shared his childhood memories of growing up in Rantoul while Chanute Air Force Base was open during Monday’s Memorial Day service at Riverside Cemetery.
As a young child, Brown spent time with his neighbor, “Doc,” who was a World War II veteran. Although only one of Brown’s brothers served in the military, he said Doc’s eagle tattoo planted fascination in their young minds.
Doc flew the American flag outside his home everyday, but it was the star in Doc’s window that pulled at Brown’s curiosity. When asked, Doc told Brown the star was in remembrance of his son, who died during service in 1970.
Brown said Americans hold movie stars and professional athletes up as heroes, but it is the men and women who sacrifice for American freedoms are the real heroes. He added that Memorial Day is not just about honoring the survivors, but to pause in remembrance of those who have lost their lives.
