Chicago's OEMC Director Named Grand Marshal of Memorial Day Parade

Gary W. Schenkel, executive director of Chicago's Office of Emergency Management of Communications. | YouTube

CHICAGO, IL -- A retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel and the executive director of the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications has been named Grand Marshal of the Beverly Hills/Morgan Park/Mt. Greenwood Memorial Day Parade.

• Also on Patch: Register Now for the 2016 Ridge Run

Gary W. Schenkel will lead the showcase of patriotism organized by the Beverly Area Planning Association. Schenkel has served at the most senior level in the U.S. Department of Defense, the Chicago Police Department and in federal law enforcement. He is a 29-year veteran of the USMC, serving both enlisted and officer grades. He retired in 2000.

The parade will step off from 110th Street and Longwood Drive at 10:30 a.m. Memorial Day (Monday), May 30 immediately following the Ridge Run 5K/10K, and marching to Ridge Park. Participants and spectators are encouraged to follow the parade to Ridge Park for the Memorial Day ceremony.

Featured groups include the Illinois National Guard, Jesse White Tumblers, Dewalt Mechlin Chapter of the DAR, Morgan Park High School Pom Team, area Cub Scout and Girl Scout troops, Ridge Historical Society, plus churches, military groups, schools and teams.

Groups interested in marching can still sign up. Applications are available by calling 773-233-3100 or emailing bapa@bapa.org.