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Homer Glen dedicates Heritage Circle Drive as honorary "Zemke Way" for veteran Lou Zemke
Summary
The Village of Homer Glen on a sunny morning dedicated Heritage Circle Drive as honorary "Zemke Way" to honor Lou Zemke, a longtime American Legion leader and Army veteran; Mayor Christina Nyski Trojkee presided and Ed Kurban, commander of American Legion Post 2011, offered remarks.
Mayor Christina Nyski Trojkee opened a small ceremony by leading the Pledge of Allegiance and introducing Ed Kurban of the American Legion before formally dedicating a roadway in honor of Lou Zemke.
"We hereby dedicate this road honorary Zemke Way," Mayor Christina Nyski Trojkee said as she described Zemke as a resident whose "work and dedication has left a long lasting mark on this community." She told attendees the resolution to create the honorary designation was established by the village board in January.
Ed Kurban, commander of American Legion Post 2011, thanked the village and the mayor for the honor and praised Zemke's service to fellow veterans and the community. "Today is more than dedicating a street," Kurban said, adding that Zemke "has always represented what the American Legion stands for, patriotism, leadership, and commitment to others."
The mayor recounted Zemke's background, saying he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1954, served as an Army specialist and later worked as a district manager for Illinois Bell. She credited Zemke with helping establish the Homer Glen PFC Michael Oliveri American Legion Post 2011 at Marion Village and with fundraising and veteran-support work tied to the village's planned Veterans Memorial.
Lou Zemke addressed the crowd and thanked the mayor, the board and the community for the recognition. "I couldn't be happier," Zemke said, adding that he never expected the honor and that Homer Glen "is the best service to seniors and veterans that you could ever want." He closed his brief remarks with, "God bless you. God bless The USA."
Mayor Nyski Trojkee noted that a banner honoring Zemke had been placed and said the first street sign for "Zemke Way" was unveiled at the event, with a second sign to be installed at the opposite corner at a later date. The ceremony concluded with a brief logistical announcement about refreshments.
This is the village's first honorary roadway designation; village officials said the sign installation and Veterans Memorial plans remain ongoing.
