Join St. Charles in Memorial Day ceremonies and parade
Show respect for our troops who have given their lives in service to the nation and thank local veterans during the St. Charles Memorial Day events on Monday, May 27.
Activities include cemetery ceremonies, a parade, and a memorial service, and a community breakfast fundraiser.
“I look forward to an outpouring of community support for our fallen service men and women at the Memorial Day activities in St. Charles,” said Mayor Lora Vitek. “Events like these are so important to remember, recognize, and show respect for all those who have sacrificed their lives in the service of our nation.”
The day begins with flag raising and cemetery ceremonies starting at 6 a.m. at Baker Community Center, 101 S. Second St., with the Boy Scouts posting colors, an Honor Guard and an honorary gun salute.
The Boy Scout troops will then lead flag ceremonies beginning at the South Cemetery (east side of Seventh Avenue, north of Madison), continue on to the North Cemetery (west side of Route 25/Fifth Avenue, north of Johnor Avenue), then conclude at the Union Cemetery (east side of Route 25/Fifth Avenue, north of Stonehedge Road).
The St. Charles Veterans are hosting a Veterans Community Breakfast fundraiser from 7 to 9 a.m. at Baker Memorial Church, 307 Cedar Ave. All are invited; the cost is $5 per person. For all current and former fire, police, uniformed scouts, emergency services, and military/veterans, the breakfast is free as a thank you for your service.
The parade steps off at 10 a.m. at Sixth and Main streets, and continues to Riverside Avenue.
A special memorial service will immediately follow the parade at 10:45 a.m. at the Freedom Shrine along the river, west of the former St. Charles Police Department, 211 N. Riverside Ave.
The Memorial Service is led by event coordinator retired Lt. Colonel Mark Powell. It will include Mayor Lora Vitek reading the annual proclamation, a keynote address, and taps will be played.
In the case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held inside the St. Charles Fire Station 1, at 112 N. Riverside Ave.
For more information, contact Powell at mark.powell6444@gmail.com or (630) 329-6444.