Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said today that she will grant waivers from delinquency payments on property taxes to men and women called to military duty in this country as well as overseas, and will extend the waivers to 90 days after they return to civilian life.

Current state law allows county treasurers to grant waivers from delinquency payments on unpaid property taxes for those who serve "overseas," and to extend the waivers for 30 days after they return to civilian life. Pappas said she will approve waivers to all who serve - domestically as well as overseas - and extend triple the time period to 90 days.

"When we ask these men and women to fight for freedom and against terror, we should treat them all equally and fairly," Pappas said. "Those on duty in this country are protecting us as surely as do those on duty overseas." The Treasurer added that increasing the post-service exemption time period is just "because 30 days may not be enough time to get your life back together."

Pappas made the announcement at a commemorative service honoring veterans and those who may serve in the military, possibly in the war against terrorism. Several hundred veterans, military officers and other guests were to attend the service in the Cook County Building in downtown Chicago.

The second-installment of Cook County's property-tax bills for tax year 2001 are to be mailed at the end of September and be due by November 1, 2002. Pappas made her announcement so that those who qualify can apply for waivers from her office before those bills are mailed.

The commemorative service, which came almost a year after the terrorist attacks of September 11 of 2001, featured a Table of Remembrance holding mementos symbolizing those fallen in the line of duty and remembering those designated as Prisoners of War and as Missing in Action. A ceremonial cake was prepared for the event, which included military artwork and models of various American military uniforms.

The Bronzeville Military Academy choir sang, and the United States Marine Corps provided a full color guard. Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Allen James Lynch led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Effie Wilson of the Montford Point Marines Association sang the National Anthem.

Presentations were made by Theresa Petrone, general chair of the Chicago Memorial Day Parade and a membr of the Chicago Board of Elections, and Alderman James Balcer (11th Ward), who served in Vietnam as a Marine. "Taps" was played by Vince Farin, a bugler who served in World War II.

Pappas said her office reached out to several generations of American military veterans for the commemorative service "because we owe them everything, especially our respect."

Those who may qualify for military-service waivers can contact Treasurer Pappas' office for further information at 312-443-5100.