The hat says it all!

This month, Sun City resident John Kligis, a WWII Veteran with the Navy and Coast Guard, celebrated his 100th birthday. In order to commemorate the special day, neighbor Jan Pozdol organized the neighborhood event, a drive-By tribute.

Kligis served with the Navy and Cost Guard during WWII, achieving rank of Lieutenant Commander. After his service career, he dedicated his life to helping veterans.

Pozdol asked friends and neighbors, “Decorate your car if possible, make a sign, wave a flag, and make some noise.”

Jean Christie arranged for the Sun City Marine Group to do a salute to him as a veteran. Pozdol contacted Patriot Guard. John Boyle invited the Huntley Police and Fire to join in the celebration.

This was a group effort to celebrate the life of a man.

Kligis’ wife, Fran said, “He gave his whole life to helping the Veterans. He served his country and worked for the Disabled American Veterans. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander.”

A speaker from the Marines honoring John referred to John as being from the Greatest Generation. The Greatest Generation is used to describe those who grew up during the Great Depression and fought in World War II. The term, ‘The Greatest Generation’ is thought to have been coined by former NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Brokaw.

Fran said, “Helping Veterans was John’s passion. He did whatever he could to help them ease their pain. He was known for bringing televisions into the hospitals for them.”

“John’s greatest thrill was a trip of a lifetime, the Honor Flight. At that time, spouses were included and I was able to go with him. It was an unbelievable experience. We flew out of Wisconsin,” Fran said.

The mission of the Honor Flight is to transport America’s veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to honoring those who have served and sacrificed for our country.

“We had a police escort when we got there,” Fran said. “The traffic stopped for us. We saw all the memorials and everything was paid for. The return flight was just as amazing. There were loads of people there to welcome the heroes’ home. We had an escort of around 30 motorcycles to a bar in Milwaukee. Flags were waving and cars were honking. The funny part is that we ran into some friends who were wondering what dignitaries were coming through town. I told them: it was us.”

John was truly surprised as he sat in front of his home for 20 years.

Fran said, “We are part of the trailblazer’s group here in Sun City.”

Family and neighbors joined John on his front lawn, wearing masks. Although you couldn’t see the smiles, the eyes showed the happiness as Huntley’s fire trucks and police cars drove past with lights flashing and organizations, and neighbors and friends with cars and motorcycles donned with good wishes and signs.

Headline: Huntley Celebrates Sun City’s Veteran’s 100th birthday During the Pandemic

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