Fire departments planning 'Silent Parade'

Fire service vehicles from more than two dozen communities will participate in the 24th annual Fire Department Silent Parade this week in DuPage County.

The procession, which honors firefighters and civilians who lost their lives in fires and other disasters, will step off at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, after a brief memorial ceremony at the Hinsdale Fire Department and proceed west along Maple Avenue through Clarendon Hills, Westmont, Downers Grove and Lisle.

An illuminated American flag, suspended from crossed aerial ladders, will grace the intersection of Main and Maple Avenues in Downers Grove as the cortege passes.

The procession is one of the largest parades of its type in the state. All vehicles will display lights only; no sirens will be sounded.

Visitors observing the parade are encouraged to bring flashlights and American flags to light the way.

The parade will conclude with refreshments and a reception for firefighters and civilians at Trinity Lutheran Church at Route 53 and 60th Street in Lisle.

For information, contact Gina Barr, administrative assistant, at (630) 434-5990, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

Visit www.downers.us.