Celebrate Memorial Day with May 30 Observance

The public is invited to attend a joint Memorial Day Observance that will be held Monday, May 30, in both Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg.

The Hoffman Estates Memorial Ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. at the Hoffman Estates Veterans Memorial site located at 411 W. Higgins Road. Immediately following that event, the observance will move to Schaumburg for a 10:45 a.m. ceremony at the St. Peter Lutheran Church cemetery, 202 E. Schaumburg Road, in Schaumburg. Following the outdoor ceremony, the observance will culminate with a 50-minute indoor service beginning at 11:25 a.m. The ceremony will include a bagpiper, floral tribute, rifle salute and the sounding of Taps.

Special for 2016, the Memorial Day Planning Committee is extremely fortunate to have 104-year-old veteran, Chester Grzybowski, join the observance as a special guest. Grzybowski is a World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Army and fought in the South Pacific.

Grzybowski's daughter, Carol-Anne Touchberry, noted, "He can still recall with clarity and passionate patriotism his extraordinary wartime experiences, and he is very grateful for the devotion to veterans."

Possessing a great memory, Grzybowski loves sharing perceptions about history, culture and life in the good old days with family and friends. He is considered by many, including students, a resourceful storyteller. Like all who lived throughout the 100 plus years in America, he has witnessed and survived the depression, wars, environmental catastrophes, family deaths and losses, and enormous challenges, but he has a deep faith and boundless love of humanity with a spirited optimism that lives on.

Brian Bieschke, president of the Rotary Club of Schaumburg A.M., will serve as the master of ceremonies of the event this year. Schaumburg Village President Al Larson and Hoffman Estates Mayor William McLeod will offer remarks.

Other event participants include: the Spring Valley Concert Band; The Legends Choral Ensemble; Patrick Higgins bagpiper; honor guards from the Schaumburg & Hoffman Estates public safety departments; American Legion Post 1983 and VFW Post 2202; the American Sikh Community; Trickster Gallery/Native Veterans Group of Illinois; and volunteers from the various Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates philanthropic organizations.

Following the observance, hot dogs and other refreshments will be served at the Picnic Grove at St. Peter Church. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating. The original one-room schoolhouse located on the grounds at St. Peter has been fully restored as a museum and will be open to the public for tours on May 30 during the picnic.

The Village of Schaumburg, the Village of Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg Township District Library and Schaumburg Township are sponsors of the event.

For questions regarding the event, contact director of Community Services Kathleen Tempesta at ktempesta@villageofschaumburg.com or (847) 923-4718.