Wood Dale parade keeps focus on veterans

Even though more than 65 years have passed since Joe Buttice was stationed in the Pacific during World War II, he says his experience still shapes him today.

“It always stays with me,” said the Wood Dale resident.

That’s what drove Buttice to become active in Wood Dale’s VFW Tioga Post 2149 in 1945, just after he finished his two-year tour of duty overseas. In the decades since, he served for a time as post commander and made it his mission to welcome young veterans. Buttice also has been vocal in political issues that affect men and women in the military, and has spent time visiting schoolchildren to explain the realities of serving during wartime.

But when Memorial Day comes around, that’s when Buttice really gets to work. For years, he has helped organize Wood Dale’s annual Memorial Day parade, a large event that will attract nearly 80 units and run for about 90 minutes on Monday, May 30.

Participants include local Scout troops, bagpipe bands, Bolivian dancers, the Medinah Motor Corps motorcycle precision drill team, and the Medinah Shriners Genies on their flying carpet scooters.

“We always like to honor our veterans in any way we can, especially on Memorial Day and Veterans Day,” Buttice said.

He added that the VFW post also makes it a point to honor local firefighters and police with awards because they are also public servants.

Following the parade, the Wood Dale community will make a special point of honoring deceased veterans during a memorial service at Veterans Memorial Park. The day’s events conclude with a lunch at the post, which is fitting for Buttice and fellow veterans.

“This is my second home,” he said of the VFW. “I love my club, and it offers so many opportunities. It’s a place for camaraderie.”