Bloomingdale marks 25th year of Memorial Day remembrance ceremony

The Bloomingdale Historical Society invites the community to attend the Memorial Day Remembrance at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 26, at St. Paul/Evergreen Cemetery, 219 Lake St., just east of Circle Avenue.

The 45-minute program honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and will be followed by placing flowers on veterans’ gravesites.

Parking is available at Cornerstone Faith Church, with a shuttle service beginning at 8:45 a.m. and returning after the ceremony. Handicapped parking is available in the business lots just west of the cemetery. Chairs will be provided, and attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs and umbrellas.

This year marks a special milestone: 25 years ago, longtime Bloomingdale resident and Historical Society member Georgene Geils helped launch the Memorial Day Remembrance in its current form. The event was inspired by the town’s earlier traditions, including the 1951 Memorial Day parade, when Bloomingdale VFW members marched along Lake Street to the same cemetery where we gather today.

After the cemetery ceremony, the community is invited to join Bloomingdale VFW Post 7539 at 11 a.m. for a brief wreath-laying and rifle salute at the gazebo at Bloomingdale Road and Fairfield Way, honoring all who served.

This annual gathering keeps both the memory of veterans and Bloomingdale’s cherished traditions alive. Visit villageofbloomingdale.org.