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Zabler Design Jeweler’s honors hometown heroes
Carrie Tobin peers at her window design from outside to see how it looks from the sidewalk. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media
Updated: July 29, 2012 6:21AM
Zabler Design Jewelers in Clarendon Hills is ready for the Fourth of July with a window display that celebrates the local past and present of military members.
“I was trying to think an idea for our July window display and a simple Fourth of July spark grew into this very emotionally powerful window,” manager Carrie Tobin said.
Instead of a theme of red, white and blue colors it became a story of people and their service.”
A few of the store’s employees have had close friends or family in the military, so they decided to honor the efforts and sacrifices of men and women in the armed forces. Owner Russ Zabler’s stepsons, Ryan and Tyler, gave the inspiration for the Hometown Heroes direction and it grew from there.
“The display started as a small idea that has grown to be a local attraction,” says Tobin, “We started asking around and people generously gave us their photos and in a few cases loaned military memorabilia to complement the photos.”
Men and women who served in armed forces visit Zabler Design Jewelers and leave a photograph of themselves or of their loved ones to contribute to the display.
“Each person in the display is tied to Clarendon Hills or Hinsdale in some way or another,” says Tobin.
Tobin explains how the dislay makes people stop and think.
“The display reminds people of the sacrifices made to protect their country,” says Tobin.
“A local townsman, Ulysses Backas, who served in the Navy in World War II saw the display and ran home. He returned with his picture and we proudly added it to our display,” says Tobin.
The display includes a partial quote by president Harry S. Truman, “The heroism of our own troops . . . was matched by that of the armed forces of the nations that fought by our side . . . they absorbed the blows . .. and they shared to the full in the ultimate destruction of the enemy.”
It is important for everyone to remember the sacrifices made for the Unites States and this display is a great way to honor and give thanks. Employee Kris West is proud of her father, Bob Miner, who just did an honor flight. Honor Flight Network is a nonprofit organization created solely to honor America’s veterans for all their sacrifices. They transport our heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials.
There are 12 different military photos ranging from World War II to present day and a couple images taken at the World War II Memorial. The display will remain up through mid-July.
