thedrifter
05-12-09, 07:51 AM
Stagg grad receives hero's welcome
May 12, 2009
BY WILLIAM LEE, staff writer
The only thing that could drown out the sound of police cars blaring their sirens were the 55 motorcycles rumbling to a Chicago Ridge banquet hall, escorting a young Marine to a celebration in his honor.
Hundreds of people turned out at the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall to give their thanks to Marine Cpl. John Cherry, a Palos Park native.
Dressed in his formal uniform and joined by his wife, Shannon, the 2005 Stagg High School graduate was greeted by throngs of family, friends and total strangers at the hall, 10537 Ridgeland Ave., to welcome him home.
During his four years of service, which began just months after his high school graduation, Cherry served two tours of duty in Iraq and lost 23 members of his battalion.
"It feels good; I'm overwhelmed," Cherry, 22, said as veterans holding flags stood at attention. "I've known about it for about a week, but I didn't know it was this big a deal."
Cherry received two Bronze Stars and several combat ribbons during his military service in Iraq. Monday's event carried added significance because it also was his wedding anniversary.
Police vehicles from Chicago Ridge, Worth and Palos Park escorted Cherry and his wife from Palos Country Club to Chicago Ridge. Behind the car, dozens of area motorcyclists, organized via the Internet, followed behind.
"It's an honor and a privilege to do for them after what they've done for us," organizer Cynthia Barr said.
After receiving a plaque of recognition from Palos Park Mayor John Mahoney, a check for $200 and membership overtures from several veterans groups, Cherry made short remarks to the crowd, uncomfortable with the spotlight on him.
"I'm not used to tooting my own horn," he said afterward.
Cherry's father, Patrick, described his son's desire to join the Marines as unwavering. Cherry, named after his uncle, also a Marine, who died during the Vietnam War, was a high school freshman during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The teen told his father he was joining the Marines after high school and enlisted just before his senior year.
Despite growing controversy about th Iraq war, Cherry's resolve to join the Marines remained the same, his dad said.
"He said: 'If the politicians can't get it right, that's not my problem. I'm joining the greatest fighting unit in the world,'" Patrick Cherry said.
Cherry plans to attend St. Xavier University, where his wife also attends.
William Lee can be reached at wlee@southtownstar.com or (708) 633-6747.
Ellie
May 12, 2009
BY WILLIAM LEE, staff writer
The only thing that could drown out the sound of police cars blaring their sirens were the 55 motorcycles rumbling to a Chicago Ridge banquet hall, escorting a young Marine to a celebration in his honor.
Hundreds of people turned out at the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall to give their thanks to Marine Cpl. John Cherry, a Palos Park native.
Dressed in his formal uniform and joined by his wife, Shannon, the 2005 Stagg High School graduate was greeted by throngs of family, friends and total strangers at the hall, 10537 Ridgeland Ave., to welcome him home.
During his four years of service, which began just months after his high school graduation, Cherry served two tours of duty in Iraq and lost 23 members of his battalion.
"It feels good; I'm overwhelmed," Cherry, 22, said as veterans holding flags stood at attention. "I've known about it for about a week, but I didn't know it was this big a deal."
Cherry received two Bronze Stars and several combat ribbons during his military service in Iraq. Monday's event carried added significance because it also was his wedding anniversary.
Police vehicles from Chicago Ridge, Worth and Palos Park escorted Cherry and his wife from Palos Country Club to Chicago Ridge. Behind the car, dozens of area motorcyclists, organized via the Internet, followed behind.
"It's an honor and a privilege to do for them after what they've done for us," organizer Cynthia Barr said.
After receiving a plaque of recognition from Palos Park Mayor John Mahoney, a check for $200 and membership overtures from several veterans groups, Cherry made short remarks to the crowd, uncomfortable with the spotlight on him.
"I'm not used to tooting my own horn," he said afterward.
Cherry's father, Patrick, described his son's desire to join the Marines as unwavering. Cherry, named after his uncle, also a Marine, who died during the Vietnam War, was a high school freshman during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The teen told his father he was joining the Marines after high school and enlisted just before his senior year.
Despite growing controversy about th Iraq war, Cherry's resolve to join the Marines remained the same, his dad said.
"He said: 'If the politicians can't get it right, that's not my problem. I'm joining the greatest fighting unit in the world,'" Patrick Cherry said.
Cherry plans to attend St. Xavier University, where his wife also attends.
William Lee can be reached at wlee@southtownstar.com or (708) 633-6747.
Ellie