Beverly, Mt. Greenwood and Morgan Park Memorial Day Parade Salutes American Heroes

Memorial Day is dedicated to remembering the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who gave their lives fighting for America’s freedom. Honoring the true meaning of the day the Beverly Hills/Morgan Park/Mount Greenwood Memorial Day Parade will follow the Ridge Run, stepping off from 110th and Longwood Drive. Participants and spectators are encouraged to join BAPA, Parade participants, community leaders and families for the laying of the wreath, color guard and Memorial Day ceremony.

• Ready, Set, Go: 2016 Ridge Run and Memorial Day Parade Guide

The parade will begin immediately following the Ridge Run races around 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 30. Over the past several 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.

This year’s grand marshal is retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel and Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications Gary W. Schenkel. 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.

Marching behind the grand marshals will be a variety of veterans’ organizations, bands, school groups, churches, scouts, teams and other local organizations.

Featured marchers include:

• Illinois National Guard
• Jesse White Tumblers
• Dewalt Mechlin Chapter of the DAR
• Morgan Park High School Pom Team
• Ridge Historical Society

For more information about the parade, email bapa@bapa.org or call 773-233-3100.

Other area Memorial Day Events:

• Catholic Cemeteries Mark Memorial Day With Field Masses, May 30
• Archbishop Cupich to Bless 'Heroic' Statue of St. Pope John Paul II, May 30
• Ready, Set, Go: 2016 Ridge Run and Memorial Day Parade Guide, May 30
• Beverly Hills, Mt. Greenwood, Morgan Park Memorial Day Parade, May 30
• Second Annual Blue Ribbon Walk for First Responders, May 28