Bethany Families Honoring Veterans at Crete Memorial Day Parade

Derek Storch has deep roots in Crete. Thus, he and his family wanted to pay tribute to those who have served, are serving, and most importantly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in service to our country by participating in the Crete Memorial Day Parade.

The Storch family also invited other nearby Bethany families to participate. What are Bethany families, you ask? Bethany families are families who have adopted children through Bethany Christian Services of Illinois, based in Palos Heights.

Alison Lamsma, an Adoption Specialist at Bethany Christian Services, linked the Storchs to other nearby Bethany Families. “We are delighted to see Bethany families connecting and sharing our organization with others who may benefit from our services. I think this is the first time we had a family volunteer to participate in a parade. Some of our families have served in the military so it’s really touching to see this happen.”

The Storchs adopted both their sons through Bethany’s International Program and are grateful for the wonderful services that were provided. ‘’We thank God every day for His amazing blessings, and for Bethany who helped to bring our family together. There are days when we just stop for a moment and think ‘Wow! We have two beautiful boys and what a privilege it is to love them and be a family.’”

The Storchs decided to live near Crete to be close to family members and friends, as well as send their boys to Illinois Lutheran School in Crete, which they are delighted with. As they prepare for the parade, their children have been more than excited to participate in this upcoming event (of course passing out candy is at the top of their list and wearing their American flag shirts). Around the dinner table, this event has also helped spark conversations that go deeper into the history and true meaning behind the national holiday.

Mrs. Storch stated, “We’re excited to share with the Crete community the amazing services that Bethany provides! Bethany families are invited to walk together in this parade that honors our country’s veterans and those serving, as well as share the wonderful support that Bethany offers to children and families not only close to home, but around the world!”

This year the parade will focus on the theme, "Crete Remembers Lest We Forget."

At 11 a.m. in Crete Park, the annual Memorial Service will take place. The service includes patriotic music, an invocation and benediction by local clergy, the placing of a wreath in remembrance of our fallen heroes and a guest speaker who provides insight into this special day. In addition, the names of Crete veterans who lost their lives for our country are read aloud so the community never forgets the sacrifice they made.

The parade starts 12:00 noon. All are welcome to come to the Memorial Day celebration in Crete. There is parking on the side streets near Exchange Street and Lumber Street, also Columbia, which is fairly close to the Crete Park District on Route 1 (Main Street) from Crete Park to (south) Burville Road. The parade lasts approximately one hour.

Bethany Christian Services of Illinois finds families for children and strengthens families. We, at Bethany, are tremendously grateful to those who have sacrificed for their country!

To learn more about Bethany, please visit https://www.bethany.org/chicago.