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Vietnam vet to serve as Aurora's grand marshal

Lifelong Auroran, local business owner and Vietnam veteran Ed Huss will lead Aurora's 2019 Memorial Day Parade as grand marshal at noon Monday, May 27, in downtown.

"Mr. Huss is one of the many stalwart veterans in our community whose good deeds cannot truly be measured," Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin said. "His time in combat had a direct impact on his decision to serve his community when he returned home.

"The same thing happened to me. It is an honor to have him represent all who served and lead our annual Memorial Day Parade."

Born and raised on Hankes Road, Huss is proud to still call the same road home seven decades later. He attended Holy Angels School and Marmion Academy before being drafted into the Army in the fall of 1965.

In 1966, he was deployed to Vietnam and served with the First Battalion 7th Cavalry Regiment until 1967.

After returning from Vietnam, he married his wife, Judie, in 1969. The couple celebrated their 50th anniversary earlier this year.

In 1976, they purchased their current house, which is adjacent Ed's childhood home, on part of the original land his great grandfather owned.

More than 40 years later, their home is a thriving business - Ed and Judie's Self Service Egg Farm - where they provide the community with fresh eggs, honey and firewood daily.

The family business allows Huss to continue to serve fellow veterans by providing eggs to VA groups, educate youth who take tours of the farm and help community members with access to fresh food.

Huss is actively involved at Village Bible Church in Aurora, assists other nonprofits in the area and still meets with his Vietnam comrades annually, a meeting he has hosted at his property in Aurora.

"I am so humbled by this recognition," said Huss as his eyes filled with tears when he was informed of his selection as grand marshal. "It really is almost unbelievable. I've just always tried to do some good in my community."

Working 12 hours a day, six days a week, the 75-year old veteran has no plans of slowing down. This summer, he begins his new service role as a Kane County Mounted Ranger.

Huss will welcome guests at a meet and greet reception from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Memorial Day at the Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Galena Blvd. He then will join Irvin, members of the Aurora Veterans Advisory Council and past grand marshals at the pre-parade ceremony at 11:30 a.m. at the parade review stand in front of the G.A.R. Memorial Hall, 23 E. Galena Blvd.

The 2019 Memorial Day Parade steps off at noon from the corner of Benton and River streets.

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