Memorial Day Parade Salutes WWII Vets from Beverly, Mt. Greenwood, Morgan Park

Caption: The Beverly/Mt. Greenwood/Morgan Park Memorial Day Parade steps off at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 25.

A U.S. Army sergeant from World War II has been tapped to serve as Grand Marshal in the Beverly Hills, Mt. Greenwood and Morgan Park Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25.

SFC Frederick Pennix, U.S. Army, will lead the parade representing the area’s World War II veterans and their families. All of the area’s World War II vets are welcome to be part of the parade.

Over the past two years, the Beverly Area Planning Association’s Memorial Day Parade committee has worked hard to expand this popular event into a true showcase of patriotism and honor. Many individuals, businesses and organizations have contributed time, funds and support, exhibiting the depth of their commitment to our fallen heroes and this venerable South Side community.

Marching behind the grand marshals will be this year will be a variety of veterans’ organizations, bands, school groups, churches, scouts, and local organizations. Featured marchers include:

• Illinois Patriot Guard Riders
• Southside Military Families
• Chief Sauganash Society of Children of the American Revolution
• Girl Scout, Boy Scout and Cub Scout troops from around the community
• Morgan Park High School JROTC, baseball and basketball teams, and pom pom squad
• Brother Rice High School Band
• Marist High School Band
• Stockyard Kilty Band
• Bugles Across America
• Ridge Historical Society
• antique cars
• Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences horses

The Dewalt Mechlin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will also be honored in the parade.

New this year are a group of eighth graders who are graduating from area elementary schools who will carry a 20x30 foot American flag. This will start an annual tradition in which community children learn the proper way to carry the flag, and put their hands and hearts into honoring America’s heroes.

All homeowners along the parade route (Longwood Drive from 110th Place to 96th Street) are invited to join in the Memorial Day house decorating contest.

The Beverly Hills/Morgan Park/Mount Greenwood Memorial Day Parade follows the last of the 10K runners in the 38thAnnual Ridge Run, stepping off about 10:30 a.m., and culminates with a Memorial Day laying of the wreath, ceremony and flag raising in Ridge Park.

Keep up with all the parade news on the Beverly Hills/Morgan Park/Mount Greenwood Memorial Day Parade Facebook page. For more information about the parade, email bapa@bapa.org or call 773-233-3100.

Memorial Day Observances and Events in the Area:

• Catholic Cemeteries Plan Memorial Day Field Masses
• Oak Lawn Marks Memorial Day With Service and Ceremony
• Hometown-Murray VFW ‘Care Package Drive’

• Ridge Run Readies for 2015 Memorial Day 10K Race
• Memorial Day Parade Salutes WWII Vets from Beverly, Mt. Greenwood, Morgan Park