Glueckert family honoring veterans in Arlington Hts. Memorial Day Parade

For a second year, Glueckert Funeral Home is looking for veterans and their relatives and friends to march in the Arlington Heights Memorial Day Parade as part of the Honor Flag and Ribbon procession.

The Glueckert entry to the parade will honor veterans, living and deceased, as well as active duty members, said organizer Jackie Glueckert.

"This beautiful ceremony, while solemn, is also so uplifting at the same time" she said. "Last year nearly 150 people participated in the tribute unit. We've been looking forward to doing it annually since then."

Last year, Glueckert's son, Riley, marched with his grandfather John, an Army veteran.

"Arlington Heights is woven into the fabric of our family's history here. The long tradition of military service from our community is a great source of pride for our entire city and our family," Glueckert said.

Each person marching with the Glueckert group will carry a U.S. flag in honor of the veteran he or she is recognizing and will wear a ribbon with the name of that veteran or active service member.

Glueckert said they also will honor John and Gary Gabel, a Palatine father and son who were killed earlier this year in a shooting in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The Arlington Heights Memorial Day Parade starts at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 26, at Sigwalt Street and Arlington Heights Road. It will proceed for about one mile to Memorial Park, where there will be a ceremony honoring veterans from Arlington Heights. Richard Duchossois, chairman of Arlington International Racecourse and a World War II veteran, will be the parade's grand marshal.

Groups from Hersey High School, St. Viator High School, Thomas Middle School, Salute Inc. and Cub Scout Pack 132 are scheduled to participate.

"We're excited to have all of these community partners helping make this special event even more special," Glueckert said.

People participating in the Glueckert portion of the procession can sign up and bring a flag, preferably with a pole, to Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road, by Tuesday, May 20.

To join the procession with the Glueckert entry, call Jackie Glueckert at (847) 253-0168 or visit www.glueckertfuneralhome.com for more information and an entry form.