March of Honor among new traditions at St. Charles Memorial Day Parade
Show respect for those who have given their lives in service to the nation and thank our local veterans at the St. Charles Memorial Day events on Monday, May 26.
“Let’s come together as a community to honor our fallen service members on Memorial Day,” said Mayor Clint Hull. “It is so important to remember and show respect for all those who have sacrificed their lives in the service of our nation.”
Activities include cemetery ceremonies, a parade, memorial service, and a community breakfast fundraiser.
“This Memorial Day, we’re starting a new tradition called the March of Honor,” said event organizer and retired Lt. Colonel Mark Powell. “We are inviting the community to walk in the parade as a tribute to the 1,300-plus veterans buried in our local cemeteries. Anyone is invited to walk. The first 100 people who show up with an American flag to hold (flags will not be provided) at 9 a.m., at Sixth and Walnut streets will be included in the parade.”
Flag-raising ceremonies
The day begins early with flag raising and cemetery ceremonies starting at 6 a.m. The ceremony begins at Baker Community Center, 101 S. Second St., with the BSA Scouts posting colors, an Honor Guard, and an honorary gun salute.
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).
Breakfast fundraiser
The St. Charles Veterans are hosting a Veterans Community Breakfast Fundraiser from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave. All are invited; the cost is $5 per person. The breakfast is free for all current and former fire, police, uniformed Scouts, emergency services, and military/veterans, as a thank you for your service.
Parade & March of Honor
The annual parade steps off at 10 a.m. at Sixth and Main streets, and continues east on Main Street to Riverside Avenue.
Memorial Day service
The Memorial Day service will immediately follow the parade at 10:45 a.m. at the Freedom Shrine along the river, near the former St. Charles Police Department, 211 N. Riverside Ave. In the case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held inside the St. Charles Fire Station 1 at 112 N. Riverside Ave.
The Memorial Day service will include Mayor Clint Hull reading the annual Proclamation, a keynote address, and taps will be played.
For information, contact Mark Powell at mark.powell6444@gmail.com or (630) 329-6444.