Memorial Day Parade, Ceremonies Planned For St. Charles

ST. CHARLES, IL — The city of St. Charles has released information regarding a Memorial Day ceremony and parade, which will be held on Monday, May 29.

Residents can stop out to the Memorial Day event to pay their respect for troops who have given their lives in service to our country and thank local veterans who have served. The event will include cemetery ceremonies, a parade, a memorial service and a community breakfast fundraiser.

“I look forward to an outpouring of community support for our fallen servicemen and women at the Memorial Day activities in St. Charles,” St. Charles Mayor Lora Vitek said. “Events like these are so important to remember, recognize, and show respect for all those who have sacrificed their lives in the service of our nation.”

Here is a look at the events planned for Memorial Day in St. Charles:

Flag Raising and Cemetery Ceremonies: 6 a.m.

The ceremony begins at Baker Community Center, 101 S. 2nd St., with the boy scouts posting colors, an Honor Guard and an honorary gun salute. Boy scout troops will then lead flag ceremonies beginning at the South Cemetery, which is located on the east side of 7th Ave. and north of Madison, and will continue on to the North Cemetery, which is on the west side of IL 25/5th Ave north of Johnor Ave.. The ceremony will conclude at the Union Cemetery, located on the east side of IL 25/5th Ave. north of Stonehedge Road.

Veterans Community Breakfast Fundraiser: 7 to 9 a.m.

The St. Charles veterans are hosting a Veterans Community Breakfast Fundraiser at Baker Memorial Church, 307 Cedar Ave. All are invited, and the cost is $5 per person. For all current and former fire, police, uniformed scouts, emergency services and military/veterans, the breakfast is free as a thank you for your service, according to a news release from the city of St. Charles.

Parade: 10 a.m.

The parade will step off at 6th and Main streets, and continue to Riverside Ave.

Memorial Service: 10:45 a.m.

A special memorial service will immediately follow the parade at the Freedom Shrine along the river, west of the former St. Charles Police Department, 211 N. Riverside Ave. In the case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held inside the St. Charles Fire Station 1 at 112 N. Riverside Ave.

The memorial service will be led by event coordinator Lt. Colonel Mark Powell and will include Mayor Lora Vitek reading the annual proclamation, a keynote address from Peter Orum, and “Taps” played by Jim Stombres.