Kingswood Church Memorial Day Service at Knopf Cemetery

A special program to acknowledge the dedicated service and sacrifice of American veterans will be held by Kingswood United Methodist Church at Knopf Cemetery, located on the east side of Arlington Heights Road, north of Lake Cook Road on Monday, May 31. The program, which begins at 11:00 a.m. is free and open to the public.

The program will feature remarks by Lt. Col. Carlos Rodriguez, Staff Chaplain, Recruit Training Command at Naval Station Great Lakes, who will speak on the importance and sacrifice of the dedicated men and women of the U.S. Armed Services.

It will also feature an invocation and prayer led by Kingswood Lead Pastor James Preston, a special flag ceremony, remarks on the history of the cemetery and music recorded by Kingswood musicians, including "Flanders Fields," sung by a 6-part women's ensemble and "America the Beautiful" sung by soloist Jim Gibson, U.S. Navy veteran.

An honor guard of Boy Scout Troop 401 will also present the flag and color guard. In accordance with the U.S. Flag Code, the Scouts will also hold a special flag burning ceremony. Anyone who wishes to dispose of an old, torn or damaged U.S. flag is welcome to bring it to the ceremony for proper disposal.

A number of veterans are interred at Knopf Cemetery, including one Civil War and three WWII veterans. Attendees are asked to observe the state of IL guidelines with regard to COVID-19. Parking is available along Arlington Heights Road.

In 1950 Congress passed a resolution asking the President to call on all citizens to observe Memorial Day "by praying, each in accordance with his religious faith, for permanent peace." Kingswood Church annually holds a service to honor the holiday.

For more information e-mail office@kingswoodumc.com.