By Dee Longfellow
At the Elmhurst City Council meeting on Monday, Feb. 7, aldermen unanimously approved a report to amend Municipal Code 4.10—Elmhurst Veterans Memorial Commission, based on a recommendation from the Public Affairs and Safety Committee.
Committee Chair Marti Deuter (1st Ward) asked Vice Chair Jacob Hill (2nd Ward) to present the report to the Council.
One of the amendments was to remove the word “Memorial,” amending the name to Veterans Commission. Another adds two “Powers and Duties” to 4.10(b): 1.) support our community’s military-affiliated individuals through education, recognition and celebratory events and,
2.) coordinate with local and regional organizations that provide military-affiliated programming, fundraising and services.
“We feel this adds to scope and constituency of the Commission, as well as a name change to better reflect the work that it undertakes on behalf of the community,” Hill said. “The Commission serves to host memorials, celebrations and recognition events, connecting organizations with veterans and veteran advocacy.”
Alderman Mark Mulliner (7th Ward), who is a member of the Veterans Memorial Commission, thought the amendments were all good ideas.
“I like this report; it really clarifies some things,” he said. “I remember when we first put in the Veterans Memorial [in Wilder Park], we focused just on the Memorial itself, but then so many other issues have come up around veterans that this serves to fill the gap, I think. It’s going to significantly raise awareness of all the veterans in our community.”
Another part of the Code adds a stronger definition of the term “military-affiliated,” which refers to members of the U.S. Armed Forces currently on active duty, in the Reserves and its veterans. The term now includes their spouse and children.
Hill ended his presentation with a clever quip.
“I’m hoping this could all culminate in a big veterans awareness event,” he said. “Maybe having City Council go on a 20-kilometer loaded rucksack hike? Or maybe simulated KP duty?”
“Would you like to add that to the report?” joked Mayor Scott Levin.
The measure was approved by a vote of 14-0.
