Mundelein to Host Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

The American Legion Post 867 and the village of Mundelein invites all men and women who are veterans in the Mundelein area to participate in this year’s Memorial Day remembrance ceremony and parade on May 27. The parade forms at 9:15 a.m. at the Village Hall Plaza, 300 Plaza Circle, and will end at Memorial Park at approximately 10:30 a.m. for a Memorial Day program. The parade will feature the Mundelein High School Marching Mustangs.

Those interested in participating in the parade should complete the Memorial Day Parade Form available on the Mundelein website, mundelein.org, or at the village hall. All veterans participating in the parade have the option of riding in an open vehicle, which must be provided by the participant, or in the parade vehicle. Uniforms or hats can be worn indicating in which branch of the service the veteran served.

The Memorial Day Parade is a solemn event intended to honor veterans and those who have given their life for their country. Distribution of candy, promotional materials, pamphlets or brochures is not permitted. Only one banner or sign is permitted per group to identify the organization. Campaign signage is not permitted. Participants are asked to keep marching units and floats consistent with the nature of this event.

The schedule for the American Legion Memorial Day Ceremony is as follows:

• Parade Arrives at Memorial Park about 10:30 a.m.

• Opening Prayer: Post Chaplin Bob Poletto

• Veteran Recognition: Post Commander

• Recognize Dignitaries and Officials in attendance: Post Commander

• Welcome and remarks: Mayor Steve Lentz

• Memorial Day Speaker: Paul J. Hettich, Colonel, U.S. Army Retired

• Memorial Tribute to Mundelein American Legion Members who passed since Memorial Day 2023: Post Service Office Nick Konz

• "Star Spangled Banner": Mundelein High School Marching Mustangs

• Rifle Salute: Honor Guard

• Echo Taps: Mundelein High School Marching Mustangs

• "Amazing Grace": Bagpipers

• Closing Prayer: Post Chaplin Poletto

• Ceremony Concludes

Keynote speaker, Paul Hettich, Colonel, U.S. Army Retired, served the United States for over 30 years. His last assignment was Commanding Officer of the 451st Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) a Brigadier General Command. Awards and accolades include the Legion of Merit, the General Winfield Scott Bronze Medallion (Civil Affairs Regiment) and the Honorable Order of Saint Christopher Medallion (Transportation Regiment). He is branch qualified in Civil Affairs, Psychological Operations, Signal, Transportation and Medical Services. He has 19 Additional Skill Identifiers and two PDIs/PDSIs. His over-seas missions included Canada (2), Germany (9), Korea (2), Macedonia (1), Poland (2), Turkey (1), Djibouti (1) and Uganda (1).

Colonel Hettich completed five combat deployments in Kuwait/Iraq (3), Bosnia/Kosovo (1), and the Horn of Africa (Djibouti, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Burundi) (1). He mobilized for Operation Enduring Freedom to command the 451st ESC. He commanded at all levels from Special Forces (Airborne) Detachment Commander (12th SFG (A)) to Army Component Commander (CJTF-HOA) and is a Joint Qualified Officer Level III with ASI 3L.

Colonel Hettich was awarded three U.S. State Department Meritorious Honor Awards by Ambassador Christopher Hill (2010) and received two Bronze Star Medals (2003, 2010). He was recognized by Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner as an Honor 200 Illinois Bicentennial Honoree (2018). Colonel Hettich was inducted into the US Army ROTC National Hall of Fame in 2022.