North alum Miller to be honored at Wheaton Memorial Day event
Wheaton service organizations will join the members of American Legion Post No. 76 for a parade and ceremony honoring all the local members of the military who have died while serving their country.
On Sunday, the legion and VFW Post 2164 will place flags on the graves of about 600 veterans buried at Wheaton Cemetery. Daily Herald Staff Writer James Fuller asked American Legion Post Commander of the Guard Sandy Lykins III, an organizer of the events, what to expect.
Q. What's the name of the event?
A. Wheaton Memorial Day Parade
Q. When is it?
A. 10 a.m., May 26.
Q. What is the route?
A. Starts at Memorial Park in Wheaton (Seminary Avenue and Hale Street), heads east on Wesley Street to West Street and then south to Wheaton Cemetery.
Q. How many units?
A. About 45 total.
Q. Who will be marching?
A. Wheaton North and Wheaton Warrenville South high schools, Wheaton Auxilary Post 76, Wheaton VFW; Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, all four Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 middle schools, Wheaton Police Department Color Guard, Wheaton Fire Department, multiple Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops and area service organizations.
Q. How long do you think it will go?
A. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and all units will be done marching about 10:40 a.m., then ceremony starts at cemetery.
Q. What's new this year?
A. Another cross will be added to group of crosses memorializing local service men and women killed in the line of duty. This year's cross will be in honor of Robert Miller, a Wheaton native who was killed while serving in Afghanistan within the last year. Miller was once a member of the Wheaton North High School band.
Q. What's the annual favorite?
A. The memorial ceremony that begins at 11 a.m.
Q. Are there parking restrictions?
A. No parking along parade route.
Q. Is there a number to call for more information?
A. (630) 682-0076
Q. Is there an e-mail address to contact someone?