Gurnee proclaims Veterans Day and declares Nov. 3 Allen J. Lynch Day; Medal of Honor recipient honored at public ceremony
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Summary
The board approved a Veterans Day proclamation and a proclamation declaring Nov. 3, 2025, as Allen J. Lynch Day. The village held a public recognition with a video, remarks by Allen J. Lynch, a presentation of a State House resolution by Rep. Joyce Mason, and comments from the American Legion commander.
The Gurnee Village Board on Nov. 3 approved two proclamations: one designating Nov. 11, 2025 as Veterans Day in the village, and another designating Nov. 3, 2025 as Allen J. Lynch Day in honor of Lynch’s military service and post-service advocacy for veterans.
Mayor Thomas Hood read the Allen J. Lynch proclamation, noting Lynch’s service as a radio-telephone operator with the 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in Vietnam and that he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard M. Nixon in 1970. The proclamation and the meeting record say Lynch later worked with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and founded the Allen J. Lynch Foundation; the transcript also references Lynch’s memoir titled 0 to Hero (2019) and his volunteer work with veterans organizations.
A public recognition followed the formal business. The program included a video recounting Lynch’s actions in Vietnam; remarks by Lynch describing the events leading to the award and his life after the war; remarks by Jim Walsh, commander of Gurnee American Legion Post 771, who described the Medal of Honor’s meaning and the small number of recipients nationwide; and a presentation by State Representative Joyce Mason of a resolution from the Illinois House of Representatives commending Lynch’s service. The board approved both proclamations by voice vote.
After the formal presentations, Lynch thanked his wife and the community and encouraged veterans to seek assistance from local veteran services; refreshments were available after the ceremony.