Western Springs' Oldest Tradition

If you’ve lived in Western Springs for any period of time, chances are you’ve attended one or more Memorial Day parades. After all, every Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Brownie, Girl Scout, Indian Princess, Indian Guide, LTHS band member and countless others have marched in those parades. And, when you add in their proud parents and extended family members, it’s no wonder that there’s always a big crowd, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Admittedly, with its marching bands, antique automobiles, fire engines, village officials, veterans, active military units, and scout groups, the Memorial Day parade seems to be the big attraction. In many years, the Lima Lima flying team, a vintage B-25 bomber, and a C-130 transport plane have added to the pageantry. But, the observance that follows is really what the day is all about.

For as long as anyone can remember, after the parade is over, residents have gathered on the Village Green in front of the historic Water Tower. There, they honor those who have served the nation in uniform, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Every year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, which coordinates the Memorial Day events, invites a veteran to be the Grand Marshall and to speak at the Tower. In some years, the speaker has been a distinguished general or a Medal of Honor recipient. In other years, it has been a local resident who has served in World War I or II, Korea, Vietnam, or the Middle East. But, perhaps most moving is the reading of the names of those village residents who have died in action.

While it’s not clear exactly when this tradition began, a review of the Historical Society’s files discovered Memorial Day pamphlets dating back to 1899. In addition, the files also include a flyer which described a Memorial Day service to be held at All Saints Church in 1917. And, other documents indicate that, by 1924, the event had grown to include a sizable parade followed by a special remembrance ceremony.

What a great tradition for our village!

Each week, the Western Springs Historical Society presents a “Blast from the Past”. To view prior stories, visit us at www.westernspringshistory.org or just click on the author’s name shown above.