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Highland Park pauses to reflect on veterans’ sacrifices
Bill Frangquist of Highland Park and the rest of VFW Post 4737salute during the National Anthem during the Veterans Day observance in Memorial Park in Highland Park on Monday. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: November 15, 2012 9:34AM
HIGHLAND PARK — William “Joe” Wallace choked up a bit Monday when he spoke of the bravery of two World War II Navy veterans who returned home from the unspeakable battles of the South Pacific theater to raise families and get on with their lives in Highland Park.
Marshall Domash and Sid Robbins both answered the call to service in the early days of the war — just as they were ready to launch their careers. Domash had a business administration degree from Northwestern University; Robbins had an engineering degree from the Armour Institute of Technology, now the Illinois Institute of Technology.
“Like other young men of military age, they did not flinch, but stepped forward and offered their lives in the defense of our Republic,” said Wallace, commander of Jewish War Veterans Post 29, during Highland Park’s Veterans Day observance in Memorial Park. Wallace noted that Domash commanded boats that placed U.S. Marines on some of the most harrowing landings of the war, and Robbins led an underwater demolition team.
“Marshall and Sid never expected praise for their service,” said Wallace. “They are heroes of the purest form.”
Domash was in attendance Monday, but Robbins passed away in August. He will be buried next month in Arlington National Cemetery. Wallace will represent Highland Park and the Jewish Veterans Post 29 at the service.
Lt. Col. John Novak, commander of the 16th Psychological Operations Battalion at Ft. Sheridan, departed from the usual acknowledgments to thank the American people for all they do for veterans and the cause of freedom.
“Service to one’s nation does not exist solely in uniform,” said Novak. “From the war bond drives and victory gardens of World War II, to the industrial might that arms our servicemen and women as they head toward the sound of the guns today, to the numerous charities that support the need of our returning veterans ... we have never stood alone,” said Novak.
“Not a day goes by in my personal travels when I have not been thanked for my service — twice last night, in fact.”
Other veterans’ groups participating in the ceremony included the American Legion Post 145 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4737.
