Itasca veteran describes emotion of Memorial Day Parade

At 75 years old, Robert “Gus” Gosanko said he plans to walk with his comrades in Itasca's Memorial Day Parade every year until he just can't do it anymore.

The U.S. Navy veteran has never missed one parade in the nearly 50 years he has lived in the village, and he remains involved with VFW Post 5167, which helps run the annual event.

“Most of us are 80 years-plus and we still find it honorable to walk down that mile and a half every year,” Gosanko said. “It's such a wonderful feeling to hear the applause and see people stand when you march past with the American flag. Not enough people can experience the feeling we have unless they served the time and spent time away from our loved ones. It makes us proud to come home, when so many did not, and be able to show how glad we are to serve.”

This year's parade, which has been an Itasca tradition for 60 years, kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 28, on Catalpa Street and Bryn Mawr Avenue. Featuring 65 units of community groups, bands and more, the parade attracts hundreds of visitors each year.

“It's more than just a summer kickoff,” said parade coordinator Susan Rioux of the Itasca Park District. “It's a very special day of recognition for those who served and continue to serve.”

This year's event travels east on Bryn Mawr to Walnut Street, south on Walnut and west to Orchard. Retiring Peacock Middle School Principal Reinhard Nickisch will be this year's grand Marshall, after serving the village for almost three decades.

VFW Post 5167 will host a Memorial Service following the parade at Usher Park. Gosanko said the service gathers schoolchildren, Scout troops, veterans and local musicians for a serious tribute to active and retired military members.

“It's not a long ceremony, but it's a beautiful ceremony,” he said.

Gosanko added that he is proud that younger, active-duty Marines will be joining the VFW members in the head unit of the parade. The Marines approached the VFW with an offer to help build the float, and Gosanko said the members happily accepted.

“It just goes to show you that the brotherhood goes a long, long way,” he said, adding that his eight years in the Navy and battles fought on the USS Shangri-La CVA 38 have become part of who he is and how he serves, even today, on the Itasca Police Department's Citizens on Patrol.

“I've gotten so close to so many comrades, and you just don't forget what you've been through with these fine, fine gentlemen,” Gosanko said. “After that, I just felt I'd like I wanted to do whatever I can to help my community. That's part of me.”