State Rep. Anthony DeLuca recently hosted his second annual veterans appreciation picnic. The purpose of the picnic is to express gratitude to those who have served in the armed forces and have protected and preserved our freedoms. “Veterans made sacrifices for our safety and freedom that we must not take for granted,” DeLuca says. “They deserve our thanks every day.” Among the 80 guests in attendance was Lisa Aprati (pictured), chief of staff to Chicago Heights Mayor David Gonzalez.