Latest news with #JeanHarris
CBS News
24-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Chicago Memorial Day Parade pays tribute to nation's fallen military members
Chicago held its annual Memorial Day Parade and wreath-laying ceremony on Saturday in the Loop, paying tribute to the men and women who have been killed in the line of duty in the military. "Together, we take a collective pause and remember those who have sacrificed their lives so that we can live in freedom," Mayor Brandon Johnson said. It was an annual reminder to reflect on service and sacrifice. "Monday is Memorial Day, the day we remember and honor the more than one million Americans who have given their lives in military service," said U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL). Memorial Day weekend is a window into the everyday of a Gold Star mom like Jean Harris. Her stepson, Sgt. Joshua William Harris, will forever be 21; killed in action in Afghanistan more than 16 years ago. "He had, from a young age, a calling to be in the military. He was probably 8 or 9, and wanted a whole military uniform, and I had to search for that; every aspect – the hat, the top, the bottom," she said. A Boy Scout who grew up to be a soldier, Sgt. Harris made his family proud. "He was always bringing morale up. He was always making sure everybody's okay," his mother said. Jean carries on Joshua's legacy by supporting fellow Gold Star Families as a survivor outreach services coordinator for the Army. "I sit on the Chicago Memorial Day Committee, representing the Gold Stars, and making sure that this is honorable for them," she said. Jean helped lay a wreath on Saturday at the eternal flame at Daley Plaza, and joined Gold Star Families of Illinois at the parade on State Street. The annual parade features veteran groups, community organizations, school groups, marching bands and more, but the very first float honored Gold Star Families. This weekend, it's everyone's duty to remember, but Memorial Day is every day for Jean. "I do it because of him and to honor him," she said.
STV News
22-05-2025
- STV News
Families 'abandoning' Irvine beach due to drunk teenagers and litter
Excessive drinking by teenagers is forcing families to stop coming to Irvine Beach. That is the claim from Irvine Clean Up Crew, who also say the council should stop cleaning the shore unless they provide more staff. The warning came before the death of Kayden Moy, who was found seriously injured on the beach following a disturbance around 6.45pm on Saturday. The 16-year-old died in hospital after being given medical treatment at the scene. Group member Jean Harris said: 'During this hot weather, we are despairing of the problems on our beach, which is primarily caused by excessive drinking. 'Over several days, we have been on the beach early every morning and have collected nearly 300 towels, plus clothes and blankets, as well as supporting the council picking up hundreds of cans and bottles. 'The state of the beach is disgusting and is now stopping families from going. It is such an important asset, and a lot of regeneration work is going on at Irvine Harbour. The group say police seem to be unable to stop the consumption of alcohol, especially as most of the teenagers are underage. 'They seem to be coming to the beach with bottles, but I thought the police would be taking them when they arrive in the area. 'The council gives us a lot of help,p but having discussed this with our committee members, we have agreed that we can no longer support them cleaning up the beach unless they can provide more manpower when the weather is hot. 'They arrive at 7.30am each day to clear things up, but we need more help as there is so much debris on the beach. 'It is concerning what the cost to the taxpayer will be, given that emergency services have been called out on a number of occasions.' Chief inspector Judith Macgregor said: 'We encourage people visiting beaches in Ayrshire to be responsible and act with consideration for others. 'As part of our Safer Shores initiative, officers are working with partner agencies to ensure Ayrshire's beaches are safe and enjoyable for all. 'Any criminal or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will carry out enforcement action where required. 'Anyone with information about those responsible for anti-social activity should report it to Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.' A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: 'We really appreciate the work that the Irvine Clean-Up Crew carry out across the area and particularly at the beach park. 'We are looking to assign an additional operative to the beach each morning for the rest of the season, we hope this will support our own staff and the Irvine Clean-Up crew in our joint pursuit of keeping the area looking good. 'We hope to be able to confirm the new arrangements as soon as possible.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Daily Record
Families abandoning 'disgusting' Irvine beach because of 'boozed-up' teenagers
Volunteers claim they are collecting 'hundreds' of bottles each day during warm weather. Excessive drinking by boozed-up teenagers is forcing families to stop coming to Irvine beach. That is the claim from Irvine Clean Up Crew who also say the council should stop cleaning the shore unless they provide more staff. Group member Jean Harris said: 'During this hot weather we are despairing of the problems on our beach which is primarily caused by excessive drinking. 'Over several days we have been on the beach early every morning and have collected nearly 300 towels plus clothes and blankets as well as supporting the council picking up hundreds of cans and bottles. 'The state of the beach is disgusting and is now stopping families from going. It is such an important asset and a lot of regeneration work is going on at Irvine Harbour. "The police seem to be unable to stop the consumption of alcohol especially as most of the teenagers are underage. 'They seem to be coming to the beach with bottles but I thought the police would be taking them when they arrive in the area. 'The council give us a lot of help but having discussed this with our committee members we have agreed that we can no longer support them cleaning up the beach unless they can provide more manpower when the weather is hot. 'They arrive at 7.30am each day to clear things up but we need more help as there is so much debris on the beach. "It is concerning what the cost to the tax payer will be, given that emergency services have been called out on a number of occasions." Chief Inspector Judith Macgregor said: 'We encourage people visiting beaches in Ayrshire to be responsible and act with consideration for others. 'As part of our Safer Shores initiative, officers are working with partner agencies to ensure Ayrshire's beaches are safe and enjoyable for all. 'Any criminal or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and we will carry out enforcement action where required. 'Anyone with information about those responsible for anti-social activity should report it to Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.' A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: 'We really appreciate the work that the Irvine Clean-Up Crew carry out across the area and particularly at the beach park. 'We are looking to assign an additional operative to the beach each morning for the rest of the season, we hope this will support our own staff and the Irvine Clean-Up crew in our joint pursuit of keeping the area looking good. 'We hope to be able to confirm the new arrangements as soon as possible.'
