Heights Man Pays Tribute to JFK

Lifelong Chicago Heights resident Andy Suppes still remembers sitting in class at St. Ann when Sister Ann came into the room and announced the president had been killed. He probably never guessed that 50 years later, he'd be memorializing the event at the Crossroads of America.

For the past 19 years, Suppes has been taking care of the Veterans Mound at the intersection of Chicago Road and Rte. 30. On Friday morning, he will be there preparing it for the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's assassination.

"I need to be done by 1 p.m.—that's when he died," Suppes said.

Taking care of the mound means a lot to Suppes, and so does honoring those who've served our country. After nearly two decades, he continues to raise and lower the flags when notable deaths occur, and he decorates for national holidays and special events. 

"My father was a two-time Purple Heart recipient, my daughter was in the Navy for eight years and my brother-in-law was killed in a bunker explosion in 'nam. And then there's all the veterans in the South Suburbs." Suppes said. "I feel when they go past that mound, they're remembered."

For JFK's 50th memorial, Suppes is planning on decorating the site with an American flag, presidential flag, memorial flame and a wreath that me made himself, along with the help of his daughter. In fact, he makes all the wreaths he decorates the mound with.

If you happen to be driving by the memorial Friday afternoon, make sure to salute Andy.