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Glenview honors 2026 Hometown Heroes, partners with American Legion for Memorial Day banners
Summary
The Village of Glenview recognized its 2026 Hometown Heroes in a ceremony May 5, honoring veterans from World War II through recent conflicts and announcing banners to be displayed along Glenview Road for Memorial Day in partnership with American Legion Post 166.
President Michael Jenny opened the May 5 Village Board meeting by introducing the 2026 Hometown Heroes program and thanking the American Legion for its partnership in recognizing local veterans.
"We are proud to continue our partnership with the American Legion," Jenny said, explaining that banners honoring this year’s 10 living and posthumous honorees will line Glenview Road between Waukegan Road and the railroad for the Memorial Day parade. The program, Jenny said, has recognized 20 individuals since its launch and aims to keep veterans' stories visible in the community.
Stephen Girth, commander of American Legion Post 166, congratulated the honorees and noted the post’s role in nominating and commemorating veterans. "Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication have strengthened the fabric of our community," Girth said.
The board read short biographies for each honoree and invited family members to accept certificates. Honorees and families highlighted varied service records: First Lieutenant John Beaulieu (WWII navigator and recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross), Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Brennan (Air Force Reserve pilot who described 26 years of service), Petty Officer Russell Dempsey (Naval Air Reserve service with VP-90), Private First Class James Douglas Sr. (Army Air Corps cadet and long-serving American Legion member), and others.
Family members who accepted honors described personal memories and the quiet humility of those recognized. Erin Hancock, who nominated her father, Russell Dempsey, told the board he could not be present because of a family event but would be "here in spirit." Kathleen Douglas Worth, daughter of honoree James Douglas Sr., thanked the village and the American Legion for the opportunity to honor her father.
The Hometown Heroes segment concluded with a request from President Jenny that all veterans in attendance stand to be recognized and with information on how residents may nominate future honorees via forms at Village Hall or online at glenview.il.us/hometown-heroes.
The program occupied the majority of the evening’s agenda and preceded proclamations and routine village business.
