5,561 U.S. military have been lost in the Iraq-Afghanistan wars. On June 27, flags were installed in ND's front lawn to remember each of them. After the flag installation, senior Jim Wallenberg (pictured) reflected on the loss of lives.Click here to view photos of the flag installation. (Niles, IL - June 27, 2010) Notre Dame College Prep, 7655 West Dempster Street, Niles, Illinois will celebrate its 4th annual Independence Day Mass in Honor of American Military Veterans at 6 pm on Saturday, July 3, 2010. This special outdoor Mass will be offered at Notre Dame's beautiful Grotto. We will pray for peace and honor those amongst us who have secured our peace with their military service. A band of 40 musicians, composed of members of the Notre Dame/Resurrection Marching Band, the Reunion Jazz Orchestra, and other neighborhood volunteers, will provide musical accompaniment. The ensemble will be under the direction of Notre Dame Band Director Mr. Michael Wallace. Veterans of Purple Heart commendation will present the Offertory gifts of bread and wine. The sounding of "Taps" will remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as all veterans who have gone before us. The National Colors will be presented after Mass. The Band will lead the assembly in the "Star Spangled Banner," as veterans come to attention and render the military salute. A musical tribute to the men and women veterans, presented by our Band, follows the National Anthem. Veterans are requested to wear their old uniforms, or insignia, campaign ribbons, medals, or other memorabilia of their time in service. Veterans and their families, of all religious faiths and traditions, are invited to attend and participate. All are most welcome. For further information, call 847.779.8664 or check our website at www.nddons.org. Please note that if it rains, the Mass will be cancelled. On June 27, 5,561 flags were installed by members of the Notre Dame College Prep football teams and 1960 alumnus Dean Rusk. Athletic Director Mike Hennessey and coaches Augie Genovesi and Joe Gale assisted the student volunteers, while volunteers Kathie Lesniak, Admin. Asst. for Academics, and Maureen Karlowicz, Assistant Dean of Students, also assisted. The overall coordinator was Executive Vice President Rev. Ray Klees and the design and installation was directed by John Bacta of the Math Department.