Breakfast with Those Who Served: MaineStreamers Honor Maine Township Veterans    

The Township MaineStreamers hosted 98 veterans at their annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast at the Lone Tree Manor last week. It was a chance for the community come together and say thank you to the local heroes who so graciously and courageously served our country.  

The timing was no accident. November is National Veterans and Military Families Month, and the breakfast gave Maine Township an early start on a month of gratitude and celebration.  

A Month, Not Just a Day 

Most of us know Veterans Day, which falls this Wednesday, November 11. Since 2017, the entire month of November has also been set aside nationally to honor veterans and the families who stand behind them. 

That second part matters. When someone serves, their family serves too. Spouses keep households running through deployments. Kids change schools with every move. Parents wait for phone calls. National Veterans and Military Families Month is a chance to recognize all of them and the sacrifice they all make and endure.  

The Morning 

The event began with the presentation of colors presented by Des Plaines Post 36 and the singing of the National Anthem by renowned local Chicago singer and performer, Wayne Messmer. Mr. Messmer is well-known for his commitment to the local community and outstanding talent, and he performed a beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner.  

After the program commenced, attendees were treated to welcome remarks from Supervisor Kimberly Jones, Assessor Susan Moylan-Krey and Trustees Elizabeth Lynch and Jim Maher. After which each branch of the military took a group photo with their fellow veterans —photos of which can be found here: https://photos.mainetown.com/home 

Also represented at the event, among other vendors was Honor Flight Chicago, a premier partner to Maine Township in their joint commitment to honor and serve those who so courageously served us.  

The morning concluded with event attendees enjoying a delicious breakfast and trading stories and experiences about their time in service.  
 
“Our annual veteran’s breakfast is always so special for all involved,” said MaineStreamers Director Marie Dachniwsky. “It’s a pleasure to be able to bring our local veterans together and honor those who served and protected our freedom,” Dachniisky said. 

Ways You Can Say Thanks This Month 

You don’t need a breakfast to make a difference. A few easy ideas for November: 

Say it out loud. If you know a veteran, tell them you appreciate their service. It means more than you might think. 

Check on a military family. If a neighbor has a loved one deployed, offer to shovel a walk, drop off a meal, or just ask how they’re doing. 

Attend a Veterans Day ceremony. Many communities across the Township hold one on November 11.  

Des Plaines – Wednesday, November 11th, 2026 at 11:00 AM 

  • Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines, IL 
  • Hosted by the Des Plaines American Legion Post 36 and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 311. Light refreshments will be served following the program. Open to all community members and veterans. 

Park Ridge - Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM 

  • Hodges Park (101 Courtland Ave., opposite Park Ridge City Hall), Park Ridge, IL 
  • Hosted by American Legion Post 247 to recognize and remember local veterans and military service members. 

Thank you to everyone who came out on November 5, and to the MaineStreamers team who made the morning possible. 

Join MaineStreamers 

Breakfasts, day trips, theater outings, fitness classes and social programs — MaineStreamers has been enhancing lives after 55+ for Maine Township residents for years, and membership is completely free. You only pay for the activities you choose. For more information visit: https://mainetown.com/departments/mainestreamers/index.php 

To every Maine Township veteran and military family: thank you. This month, and every month.