The eight annual Heroes Day took place this past Saturday, September 9, at Farwell Field. The event is held every year to recognize all servicemen and women, veterans, and civil servants who protect both our community and country year round.
This year the College was fortunate to have representatives from three different groups who provide constant care to our students on a regular basis. These groups include the Lake Forest Police Department, Lake Forest Fire Department, and the College's Department of Public Safety. There were also several members in attendance who had once served in the United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps, and United States Army.
A noteworthy and exciting addition to this year's event was that the paramedics and firefighters donned new uniform t-shirts with combined Lake Forest Fire Department and Forester Athletics logos on them. In a new community spirit initiative, all Lake Forest paramedics and firefighters on duty will now wear Forester t-shirts as uniforms on home football Saturdays. In similar fashion, they can be found wearing Scout t-shirts on Fridays in support of Lake Forest High School. The uniform t-shirts, but more importantly the community spirit and pride they represent, is yet another reason why the College takes time annually to recognize our community heroes.
After honoring these individuals on the field, the Forester Football team ran out on the field and many members held flags representing different branches of the military. In order to be selected as a flag-carrier, members on the team wrote a letter to head coach Jim Catanzaro explaining their personal connection to the flag.
Following the Foresters' parade onto the field, the Lake Forest American Legion McKinlock Post 264 presented the colors for the singing of the National Anthem, which was performed beautifully by Alexa Andrews, a student in her third year at the College.
Two honorary captains were selected to join the team's captains for the coin toss. They were Bob Hansen Jr., father of Lake Forest College alum Bob Hansen III. Hansen, Jr. served in the United States Marine Corps from 1970-74 and then later joined the Chicago Police Department where he served the public for 32 years both under cover and in uniform. The second honorary captain was John Tracy, the father in law of the Forester wide receiver coach Bill Lund. Tracy served in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam in active duty from 1965-69 and then as a reservist until 1988.
Throughout the game the College's Alpha Phi Sorority was situated at the east end of the field collecting items and donations to send to military personnel overseas. This initiative is a joint partnership between Greek Life and the Forester Football team. Thanks to the generosity of students, faculty, staff members, and fans in attendance, more than 40 care packages will be sent overseas.
The event brought with it not only Heroes Day celebrations, but also gorgeous weather, packed bleachers, and a 48-46 win over Carleton College.