Thousands to honor veterans at Wheaton's somber event

There's nothing festive about Wheaton's Memorial Day parade and program.

Organizers with American Legion Post No. 76 say that's by design.

"We try to keep it somber because Memorial Day is more of a somber type of day," said Steve Fixler, commander of the post. "It's not the Fourth of July where everyone is throwing firecrackers and having a great time."

So parade participants don't toss candy or toys to the crowd. Fire trucks' sirens are kept silent. And politicians refrain from campaigning.

"This is not a political issue," Fixler said. "The parade is to memorialize the veterans."

The procession - which will include local veterans groups, school marching bands and representatives from the police and fire departments - steps off at 10 a.m. Monday from Memorial Park.

Commander of the Guard Sandy Lykins said roughly 5,000 people are expected to line the streets of downtown Wheaton to watch.

"It's probably one of the few areas that has a fairly large Memorial Day parade," Lykins said. "Our parade is well attended."

The procession goes south on Hale to Wesley Street, then west on Wesley to West Street. The parade goes south on West Street to Wheaton Cemetery, where the graves of veterans will be decorated with American flags.

The ceremony, which is expected to start at 11 a.m., will include the introduction of guests from the city and Wheaton VFW Post 2164.

Paul Herbert, executive director of the First Division Foundation at Cantigny, will be the guest speaker. Because there is no grand marshal for the parade, the guest speaker is a significant distinction, officials said.

Organizers say the Memorial Day parade and program always have been special because they give people the opportunity to pay respect to veterans and those killed in military service.

"It's a day of remembrance," Fixler said. "It's a great honor for us to be in charge of the parade and ceremony for the city of Wheaton."