Flag-Raising Ceremony at Saddlebrook Farms honors Pearl Harbor.

World War II and other veterans who reside at Saddlebrook Farms, a 55-and-over community in Round Lake Park, were out in force Saturday, May 19, to pay homage to their compatriots who died in action December 7, 1941, during Japan's devastating attack on Pearl Harbor.

The catalyst for the ceremony and certainly its highlight was raising a flag certified to have flown over the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. The flag was presented to Saddlebrook Farms by Larry Waco, Sr., the community's general manager. "We are proud to present this flag to Saddlebrook Farms in honor of our many residents who served their country admirably in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam," said Mr. Waco.

Serving as master of ceremonies, Mr. Waco read the text of the presentation certificate to Saddlebrook Farms, which denotes January 2, 2001, as the day the flag was officially raised and lowered at the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor.

Mortally wounded by a 1760-pound armor-piercing bomb, the USS Arizona sank in less than nine minutes, entombing 1177 crew members. With its total loss and the high number of casualties, the USS Arizona became a symbol for that dark day. The outcome was dedication in 1962 of a 184-foot memorial spanning the midportion of the sunken battleship. On a flagpole mounted to the USS Arizona, an American flag is raised daily in tribute to the men who perished during the Pearl Harbor attack.

More than 100 residents of Saddlebrook Farms attended the flagraising ceremony, which was organized by resident veterans Rocco Colucci, Terry Edwards, Chris Feil, and Ed Tauscher. Selected to present the colors were resident veterans Tom Gaynor and Ed Horton. Also in attendance were the community's oldest veteran, Larry Cummings, and youngest veteran, Bob Carlson.

Special guest retired Major Robert Arron of the US Marines provided consultation on appropriate procedures for the dedication ceremony. The honor guard of Saddlebrook Farms resident veterans was reinforced by the authentic colonial marching unit of the Patriots American Heritage Program sponsored by the Christian Fellowship Church Schools in Waukegan. Representing the program were Captain Greg Bozarth, Grace Adams, Chris Cooper, Johanna Hribal, and Brady Siltman. And, of course, the ceremony featured a rousing Star Spangled Banner, a poignant taps, appropriate remarks in tribute to our veterans of foreign wars, and moments spent in silent appreciation.

Saddlebrook Farms is located at Route 60 and Peterson Road, approximately 10 minutes west of I-94. The Information Center and Model Court are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, or by appointment. Single family ranch homes start in the $120's. Attractive upgrades are offered, as well as a limited number of desirable waterfront sites. For further information call (847) 223-6000.