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On Memorial Day, 2021, with great solemnity and respect, His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael, Father Chrysanthos Kerkeres, and Father Peter Sarolas presided together over the Hellenic American Veterans Monument at Elmwood Cemetery in River Grove, Illinois. The memorial service was hosted by Hellenic Post #343 of the American Legion, the creator of the Hellenic American Veterans Memorial. Chaired by President Bill Gritsonis, the organization is committed to recognizing veterans that have served the United States over the years, as well as those who have tragically passed away while serving the United States.

Fr. Kerkeres stated that he has been “blessed” to be the chaplain of the organization for the past 10 years, admiring their work at every turn. This year, as with past years, the memorial service started at 11:00am, with many parishioners gathering to honor and remember the sacrifices of America’s Greek Orthodox veterans. Fr. Kerkeres noted that the yearly Memorial Day tradition has grown over the course of the past few years, attracting “more and more people” each year. Hopefully, with Metropolitan Nathanael attending the service this year, the event will gain even more notability in the Greek Orthodox Christian community over the course of the years to come.