Kline Creek celebrates Memorial Day traditions

A Memorial Day ceremony rooted in the history and traditions of the late 1800s will be held Monday at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago.

Sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and the West Chicago Museum, the free family-friendly Memorial Day Remembered program is scheduled for 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the farm, 1N600 County Farm Road.

"Memorial Day began after the Civil War as Decoration Day. It was initiated by survivors of the Civil War - veterans, widows and relatives," said Dennis Buck, Kline Creek Farm heritage interpreter. "Entire families were encouraged to participate, gather flowers, sing, help in school and community observations, and attend remembrance programs. Kline Creek Farm's Memorial Day Remembered gives us the opportunity to do all of that again and reclaim the original purpose and meaning of the day."

Among the activities, Sara Phalen, the museum's executive director, will share stories recorded by West Chicago men who served during the Civil War.

Here's a look at the program schedule:

• 1:30 to 2 p.m. Make tissue-paper flowers by the farmhouse for the program.

• 2 to 3 p.m. Music by Roger Kotecki; poems and readings that reflect on those who gave "the last full measure of devotion" and on the importance of remembering them.

• 3 to 3:30 p.m. Make tissue-paper flowers for home as a remembrance of the day or to remember a loved one who has served the nation.

Registration is not required. For more information, call Kline Creek Farm at (630) 876-5900.