The Village of Carol Stream officially launched its new Military Honors Banner Program on Thursday, July 16, with a special dedication ceremony recognizing six local veterans whose service has helped protect the freedoms we cherish. Created in partnership with Carol Stream VFW Post 10396, the program honors veterans and active-duty service members with ties to the Carol Stream community.
Surrounded by family members, fellow veterans, and community members at Carol Stream Veterans Memorial Plaza, the inaugural ceremony served as a heartfelt reminder that the freedoms we enjoy today were secured through the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of those who answered our nation's call to serve. As Mayor Frank Saverino, Sr. shared during the ceremony, the program is about gratitude, recognition, and ensuring that the service of our local veterans is seen, remembered, and honored—not only today, but for generations to come. Family members also accepted recognition on behalf of honorees who are no longer with us, ensuring their service and sacrifice continue to be remembered.
During the inaugural ceremony, the Village proudly recognized the program's first six honorees:
- Sergeant James Plumb, U.S. Army (1967–1970), Purple Heart recipient
- Staff Sergeant Michael Johns, U.S. Air Force (1967–1972)
- Petty Officer Second Class James Benzin, U.S. Navy (1967–1979)
- Sergeant Roland Johnson, U.S. Marine Corps (1951–1954)
- Corporal Ludwig Lingwai, U.S. Marine Corps (1968–1969), Purple Heart recipient
- Private First Class Richard Hildenbrand, U.S. Army (1970–1971)
Their commemorative banners now proudly hang throughout Ross Ferraro Town Center, where they will be displayed each year from Memorial Day through Veterans Day as a lasting tribute to the service and sacrifice of Carol Stream veterans. Following Veterans Day, each banner will be presented to the honoree or their family as a lasting keepsake.
In partnership with the Carol Stream Park District, the ceremony also included the dedication of a memorial bench honoring the late Carol Stream VFW Post 10396 Commander Richard Hildenbrand, whose leadership, volunteerism, and dedication to his country, local veterans, and the Carol Stream community left a lasting legacy. Rich was instrumental in helping bring the Veterans Memorial Plaza to life through years of fundraising and community service. His life reflected a commitment to serving others long after his military service ended, making the dedication a fitting tribute to his enduring impact on the community.
The dedication ceremony marked the beginning of an evening of patriotic celebration that continued with the Presentation of the Colors by Carol Stream VFW Post 10396, the National Anthem performed by local resident Erin Fischer, the annual Concert for the Troops featuring 7th Heaven, and the Village's rescheduled America250 Fireworks. Through VFW fundraising efforts and concert raffle ticket sales, the community also raised $800 for Operation Support Our Troops.
The Military Honors Banner Program is funded by the Village of Carol Stream, and there is no cost to participate. Each year, six eligible veterans or active-duty service members with a connection to Carol Stream will be selected to receive commemorative banners displayed at Ross Ferraro Town Center. Applications are reviewed by Carol Stream VFW Post 10396, and the annual application deadline is February 1.
Residents are encouraged to learn more about the program, review eligibility requirements, and apply or nominate a deserving service member by visiting:
Military Honors Banner Program:
https://carolstre.am/honorbanners
View photos from the 2026 inaugural ceremony:
https://carolstre.am/MilitaryBannersAlbum
