BROOKFIELD, Ill. – Soldiers from the 416th Theater Engineer Command in Darien, participated in the Brookfield Independence Day parade and festivities. They marched out in front of the procession, leading the parade through the streets of Brookfield – a town, that even though is only 15 miles from Chicago, has a small town feel.
People stood in reverence as the color guard passed by the locally owned shops and restaurants, and banners of red, white and blue hanging from rustic lampposts.
Staff Sgt. Adam Tracy, a technical engineer with the 416th Theater Engineer Command (TEC) recalled, “You could really feel the appreciation from all of the people. They all stood up, took off their hats and placed their hands over their hearts.”
The community lined Grand Boulevard and Brookfield Avenue to show their unwavering support and patriotism. “I’ve done these dozens of times. I was in the honor guard at the National Cemetery in Puerto Rico.” said Staff Sgt. Luis Lopez, a Construction Engineering Supervisor with the 416th TEC. “There was a great amount of support from the people here. More than what I’m used to.”
The Soldiers were more than willing to volunteer on what would usually be a day off. “It is a great honor to stand out and represent the 416th and the Army.” Cpt. Zachary Galaboff, an engineer officer with the 416th TEC, proudly stated. Cpt. Galaboff was the escort officer for the Grand Marshall, Korean War Combat Veteran John J. Curin. Galaboff also explained, “It’s important for us to show our face in the community like this.”
The engineer Soldiers also stood proud in front of a crowd gathered at Kiwanis Park to present the colors for the singing of the national anthem. “That’s what it’s all about. That’s what makes it worth it.” Said Staff Sgt. Lopez.
Date Taken: | 07.04.2016 |
Date Posted: | 07.07.2016 07:45 |
Story ID: | 203220 |
Location: | BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS, US |
Hometown: | AURORA, ILLINOIS, US |
Hometown: | BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS, US |
Hometown: | CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, US |
Hometown: | DARIEN, ILLINOIS, US |
Hometown: | NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS, US |
Hometown: | OAK PARK, ILLINOIS, US |
Web Views: | 57 |
Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Patriotism Alive and Well in Brookfield, Illinois, by SFC Jason Proseus, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.