Memorial Day Ceremony To Be Recorded

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — As we look ahead to a Memorial Day weekend unlike any other due to the coronavirus pandemic, local municipalities have had to greatly alter the usual plans. Last year, in Arlington Heights, the community celebrated the 100th anniversary of the World War I Welcome Home Parade, held in 1919. This time around, those looking to honor the memories of the fallen will need to do so at home on a computer.

Last month, Greg Padovani, chairman of the Veterans Memorial Committee of Arlington Heights, told Patch that the 101st edition of the parade was canceled. A ceremony at Memorial Park, which traditionally occurs at the conclusion of the parade, will instead be recorded for broadcast. Padovani said he will share the video with Patch.

Padovani will be honoring and remembering our Nation’s Fallen Heroes by standing at Memorial Park from 9-11 a.m. May 25. Anyone wanting to render a salute from Padovani can drive by at this time.

"As you know, the Memorial Day Ceremony addresses the true reason for Memorial Day, to honor and remember our nation's fallen heroes," Padovani said last month. "In Arlington Heights, we honor and remember Arlington's Fallen Heroes, the 58 young men from our town that died in the service of our nation, from the Civil War to Afghanistan."

During the ceremony, the names of the 58 men is read aloud. Patch will be running a special list of the fallen from Arlington Heights on Memorial Day.

If you would like to honor someone on Memorial Day with a story, tribute and/or photos, please send them to Editor Eric DeGrechie at eric.degrechie@patch.com.