HUNTLEY – For almost 200 years, Huntley has never failed to live up to the words of John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” Since the War of 1812, dozens upon dozens of Huntley residents responded to this nation’s call to arms, defending our freedom and the freedom of others in every conflict since almost 50 years before Huntley’s official founding in 1851.
To honor this courageous past, the Huntley Historic Preservation Commission invites residents to celebrate Veteran’s Day on their Tour of Duty: Huntley’s Historic War Veterans on Saturday, November 6. Scenic bus tours will highlight the homes and lives of dedicated soldiers from Huntley that served in wars throughout time.
While doing research for the event, Huntley Historic Preservation Commission Chair Person Donna Britton found that “there were so many people … who lived in Huntley and took part in the various wars our country has fought.”
The Tour of Duty is offered free to the general public. Three departure times at 9 a.m., 10:15 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. are scheduled to leave from the Old Huntley Village Hall at 11704 Coral Street in downtown Huntley. Huntley historian Jake Marino will narrate the tours, and tours will run approximately 65 minutes before returning to the Old Huntley Village Hall, where participants can also view displays commemorating Huntley’s war heroes.
“People sacrifice years of their time to serve their country, and then in some cases, some of these people never come home,” Britton said. “You have to admire someone who has that devotion to their country.”
Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 847-669-8141. To note: bus tours are not wheelchair accessible. Displays are open to all.
