A big message from a little plot...

It’s difficult, at times, to non politicize public servants – especially in a village like Buffalo Grove.

It’s easy to associate them with a particular issue, position, or length of service.

They become the good guys or the bad guys, more likely the bad guys, because the only time someone really seems to care about a village board, school board, park board, plan commission or library board member is when there’s “an issue”

It’s easy to lose sight that they are residents, neighbors, or just plain folks who want to help the community.

Village Clerk Jan Sirabian is one such public official.  Village clerk is a thankless job between recording minutes, handling elections and, in the “old days” – vehicle stickers.

Sirabian does have her favorite causes.  Without fail, twice a year she reminds residents of ceremonies to remember the nation’s veterans.  Once is Veterans Day in November, and the other is Memorial Day.

During recent Village Board meetings, Sirabian has reminded residents about the upcoming ceremony at Knopf Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Monday.

 

Knopf Cemetery?  Where’s that.  It’s a tiny little plot just north of Checker Drive on Arlington Heights Road.  More than a plot, it’s part of Buffalo Grove’s history.  Founded in 1853, before the Civil War, the cemetery has graves going back not just years or decades – but for more than a century.

It’s sign is as subtle at the grounds itself.  Cracked and faded, the sign gently tells residents that its owned and operated by Kingswood United Methodist Church.  That’s it.  No requests for funds, no harsh warnings – just a simple wood sign.

But yet twice a year, the cemetery is host to ceremonies to honor the men and women of our armed services who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.  And that’s all Sirabian wants to community to know.  It’s a simple, respectful ceremony.  Period. 

So before people rip into Sirabian for promoting an community activity, or criticizing her for the work she does for the village, they should take heed into what she wants to the community to do.

Remember those in the military whose efforts enable residents to have the freedom to criticize.

My guess is Sirabian is not looking for public acknowledgement, thanks, or gratitude for promoting the event.  My guess is the message she wants residents to remember on Monday is for the nation’s war dead.

It’s an easy one.

Thank you.