Thousands Will Line the Streets on Monday for Elmhurst's 94th Memorial Day Parade

Ninety-four years.

That's how long Elmhurst has hosted a Memorial Day Parade.

This year, the tradition continues at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 28. The parade will be led by Grand Marshal Leonard F. Prescott, a decorated petty officer in the U.S. Navy.

Nearly 90 entries have signed up to march through downtown Elmhurst, including military officers, veterans, Elmhurst police and fire representatives, various Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, city officials, state legislators, and the York Marching Band and other musicians from District 205, Timothy Christian High School and Elmhurst College.

But participants are not limited to Elmhurst entities. Musical and dance groups, including Chicago Highlanders, Chicago Symphonic Wind Ensemble and many others will march.

The starting point of the parade will be at Third and York. It will head south on York to Second, veer east along Robert Palmer Drive under the underpass, head west back to York, then south to Church, west to Prospect and north to the Veterans Memorial in Wilder Park.

Following the parade, at about 11 a.m., Elmhurst Mayor Pete DiCianni and others will give speeches and lay wreaths at a ceremony at the Memorial. The names of Elmhurst veterans who have died since Veterans Day will be read aloud in remembrance.

The National Weather Service says it's going to be a hot one on Monday, with temperatures around 90, so parade participants and observers should be sure to stay hydrated and keep the sunscreen on. A 30 percent chance of an isolated thunderstorm also is forecast.

The parade is presented by the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce, Elmhurst American Legion, Elmhurst VFW and the city of Elmhurst. Members of the Kiwanis Club will serve as parade marshals. Chamber president John Quigley and Veterans Memorial Chairman Ralph Pechanio are parade co-chairmen.

For more information about Elmhurst's 94th annual Memorial Day Parade, click here.