November 13, 2009 Southwest News-Herald - Oak Lawn, Burbank, Bridgeview
Burbank Cites Veterans Day and New ‘Covenant’
The annual Veterans Day ceremony held in Burbank on Nov. 11 was met by mild November weather, a large gathering of community members, and former and present servicemen and women and their families.
This year’s ceremony included the signing of the Army Community Covenant, which was signed by dignitaries and community members at the closing of the memorial.
Burbank Chamber of Commerce Executive Secretary Sally Coleman said they were approached a little while ago by the United States Army Recruiting Center in an effort to present the Covenant to Burbank.
It took nearly one month to properly schedule the signing of the Covenant on the same day as the ceremony. Everyone was very receptive to the idea and a large number of residents wanted to sign the Covenant as well.
COVENANT SIGNING — Burbank Mayor Harry Klein (center) signs the Army Community Covenant during Veterans Day ceremonies that completes a partnership that the U.S. Army has agreed to with the city. (News-Herald Photo by Alisha Cowan)
“This Covenant will be a partnership that will stand the test of time. There have been times in other parts of the country where communities have pulled back from the military bases, pulled back from embracing soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen and coastguardsmen. That is not happening here in Burbank,” said Coposky.
For the past 10 years, Coposky has served this country, a career she describes as an overall great experience. Traveling all over the world, getting the opportunity to live in places such as Germany, Belgium and others are things that may not have happened if not for her involvement in the Armed Forces.
For 30 years, Coposky’s father served in the Marines. Growing up in that military environment is where she attributes that her itch came from to do something similar.
For those past and present men and women who have or are currently defending our nation, Coposky says a little recognition goes a long way.
“Just saying something as simple as thanks means a lot to us,” said Coposky.
Burbank Mayor Harry Klein was also present at the ceremony, and gave the recognition to past and present servicemen spoken of by Coposky.
“The city of Burbank very much supports the veterans, very much respects this gathering of people and has for many years,” said Klein.
He continued, “We are strong in the city of Burbank for many reasons. One of the biggest reasons is that we do have cohesiveness among us.”
Klein’s closing remarks asked for prayer for those killed at the recent Ford Hood tragedy in Texas.
After “America the Beautiful” was played by the Reavis High School Band, Burbank resident Nancy Brummerstedt and her family participated in the Laying of the Wreath on behalf of families of servicemen and support of the military.
Brummerstedt’s son is in the Navy and her father served in the Coast Guard. At the end of the ceremony, community members formed a long line to sign the Army Community Covenant to show their support for the military.
The Covenant will be displayed at the Burbank City Hall, 6530 W. 79th St.; Prairie Trails Public Library, 8449 S. Moody Ave., Burbank, and other institutions and townships.