The Joliet American Legion Post 1080 held Veterans Day Ceremony

The Joliet American Legion Post 1080 held a Veteran’s Day Ceremony Nov. 11, ending the event at 11 A.M. with taps and the firing of rifles by the Honor Squad from Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

The ceremony was held indoors because of rain.

The ceremony’s theme was protecting veterans and reviewing ways veterans can get assistance.

The guest speaker was Joliet Police Lt. Moises Avila who talked about the department’s Battle Buddy program. This program responds to veterans in crisis with police officers who have a military background. The Battle Buddy program assists veterans with housing, transportation, substance abuse treatment and counseling.

Joliet Mayor O’Dekirk, Crest Hill Mayor Ray Soliman, state Rep. Larry Walsh Jr., D-Elwood, and Joliet Council member Jan Quillman gave a salute to veterans.

The Joliet American Legion Band played several marches and the marches of the five military branches.