Communities plan to remember Memorial Day
Terando will speak at Morris Memorial Day observance, Ward featured in Seneca
Jerry Terando will be the featured speaker at the annual Memorial Day program, to be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 25, in front of the Grundy County Courthouse.
Weather permitting, a parade will leave Chapin Park about 10:30 a.m. and go south on Liberty Street to the courthouse.
After the National Anthem, played by the Morris Community High School Band, those attending will be welcomed by Jerry Belt, commander of the John Martin Steele VFW post; Elmo Ray Younger of the Disabled American Veterans; Ken Buck, commander of the American Legion; County Board Chairman Frank Halpin; and a representative of the VFW Men’s Auxiliary.
Rosemary Nowak will read her essay, which was the District 18 winner in the VFW Voice of Democracy contest.
Wreaths will be placed by Julie Buck of the American Legion Auxiliary, Lea Sharp of the Alida Bliss chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Delight Belt of the Ladies of the VFW and Jeannie Terando, American Gold Star Mothers.
The MCHS band will play “Veterans Salute,” Ethan Paulson will sing “God Bless the USA,” and Hayley Robinson will sing “Heal Our Land/America the Beautiful.”
Rev. Roy Backus of the First Presbyterian Church will give the invocation and benediction.
He will sing “Amazing Grace,” followed by a 21-gun salute from the Morris Color Guard. Steve Huettemann and Sam Motter will play Taps.
Exit music will be a piano duet by Kate and Lauren Hausken.
Following the program, lunch will be served at the Morris VFW Post, McKinley and Division streets.
Seneca, 11 a.m.
SENECA — The Seneca American Legion, Kasal Post #457 invites area residents to Memorial Day services on Monday, May 25.
The service will take place near the Memorial Wall, located at the southeast corner of Main and Scott streets (south of the library). Formal program activities will begin at 11 a.m. and will include a Memorial Day message by Samantha Ward.
Ward is the regional director for Illinois State Senator Debbie Halvorson from our 11th Congressional District.
Additionally, beginning about 10 a.m., the Seneca High School band will be performing a number of specially selected patriotic arrangements. Under the direction of Mark Victor, the band will also participate during the program.
Refreshments will be served at a reception in the Library Cultural Center following the closing comments and “Taps.” Attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating.
Mazon, 10:30 & 11 a.m.
MAZON — Mazon American Legion Post $352 will conduct Memorial Day observances at two area cemeteries on Monday, May 25.
Ceremonies at Mazon Cemetery will commence at 10:30 a.m. An observance will follow at Ward Cemetery at 11 a.m.
If weather will not permit the outside services, a combined event will be held at 11 a.m. in the Legion hall, 500 Depot St., Mazon.
Minooka, 10 a.m.
MINOOKA — The Minooka American Legion Parade will step off at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, from Minooka Bible Church. It will end at Minooka VFW Park, where a brief program will be conducted around 10:30 a.m.
Lincoln Cemetery, 11:30 a.m.
ELWOOD – Hundreds of veterans who served in conflicts ranging from World War II through the current Iraqi War, will be participating in the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery’s Memorial Day Observance at 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 25, in Elwood, near Joliet.
“Lincoln’s Legacy” is the theme of this year’s ceremony, which will feature aerial flyovers, musical performances and military re-enactments by Chicagoland veterans groups.
Department of Veterans Affairs will host the 2009 VA Lincoln Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit to commemorate the 200th birth anniversary of America’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. This exhibit will be on display between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from May 21 through May 27 at the Public Information Center.
Daniel W. Grant, director of the Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs, will be the keynote speaker. Max and Donna Daniels will do an re-enactment of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. There will be wreath laying, echo taps performed, aerial flyovers, static displays, and local veterans groups.
The Joliet American Legion Band will play a musical prelude at 11 a.m.
The Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery is located at 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood.