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America Day celebrates Northrop workers' contributions to military successes

Suburban political and business leaders joined military brass at Northrop Grumman's Rolling Meadows facility Thursday to celebrate the nation and the company's workers at its 25th annual America Day.

The 2,100 employees at the Virginia-based aerospace company's suburban campus ate lunch in shifts under a massive tent while leaders gave speeches honoring the American military and the Northrop Grumman's role in its success.

U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, a Wheaton Republican, said he was humbled by the company's decision to honor veterans and the families of active military members, who joined the speakers on the stage.

Because the technologies that the company creates end up in the hands of soldiers, its employees have an enormous responsibility, Roskam said.

"At the instant in time that (technology) is necessary to save a life or reveal an enemy or do whatever these systems are to do, they have to be right," he said. "And it has be right not the second time; it has to be right the first time, because brave men and women are putting their trust completely in you."

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Robert Walsh said Northrop Grumman helps give the American military an edge in battle.

"We don't want a fair fight, and Northrop Grumman gives us the capability to dominate in the battle space," Walsh said. "Your expertise helps give the United States military its technological edge and also drives the economic strength that undergirds our national power."

For Walsh, the event was a homecoming of sorts. He grew up in Elk Grove Village and attended St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights.

"It is nice to be here, but coming out of the Pentagon it feels good to be anywhere," joked Walsh, adding he'd rather be trapped in Chicago-area traffic than in endless meetings.

Jeff Palombo, sector vice president and general manager at Northrop Grumman's Rolling Meadows campus, said Rolling Meadows Mayor Tom Rooney wasn't able to make the event but sent along a proclamation passed by the city council.

"In this annual event, Northrop Grumman forgoes the standard 'rah blah blah isn't our company great' and instead dedicates the event to the country that they help defend and hold so dear by naming the event America Day," Palombo read from the proclamation.

Palombo said Northrop Grumman is the city's largest employer, something they've been able to claim as far back as the chamber of commerce has been keeping records.

Other speakers included U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Kirk Vollmecke; U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, a Naperville Democrat; and Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti, a Wheaton Republican.

In addition to the speakers and the barbecue-style cookout, employees were treated to a performance by the Proviso East and Proviso West Marching Band.

  U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Robert Walsh speaks during America Day at Northrop Grumman in Rolling Meadows Thursday. The three-star general is a former resident of Elk Grove Village and a 1975 St. Viator High School graduate. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Kirk Vollmecke y, left, chats Thursday with Marine Lt. Gen. Robert Walsh during America Day at Northrop Grumman in Rolling Meadows. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Robert Walsh smiles while chatting with guests Thursday during America Day at Northrop Grumman in Rolling Meadows. The three-star general is a former resident of Elk Grove Village and a 1975 St. Viator High School graduate. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  The Rolling Meadows Police Department honor guard carries the colors during America Day at Northrop Grumman in Rolling Meadows Thursday Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
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