LET FREEDOM RING THIS MEMORIAL DAY

“Where liberty dwells, there is my country.”
—Benjamin Franklin

Memorial Day is one of two official United States holidays that recognizes the commitment of the members of our military services. Memorial Day honors and mourns the military personnel who have lost their lives while defending their country. Several towns throughout the Chicago Southland will be commemorating the holiday this year with days of remembrance, parades and special ceremonies.

On Sunday, May 26 at 2:00 PM, the Village of Lansing will host its annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Lansing Veterans Memorial, located at Lansing Municipal Airport. The event is sponsored by the Lansing Veterans Memorial Ceremonial Honor Guard.

The Village of Frankfort will collaborate with VFW Post 1493, Will County Chief Duputy State’s Attorney Ken Grey and the Hickory Creek Middle School Band & Orchestra to honor servicemen and women on Memorial Day. The ceremony will be held at Breidert Green in downtown Frankfort, beginning at 10:00 AM.

A day of remembrance will be held in the Village of Matteson. The ceremony will include a Memorial Day parade, a heartfelt tribute in partnership with the American Legion Post 474 intended to remember and pay respect to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The parade will begin at 10:00 AM at Main Street and 215th Street in historic downtown Matteson.

Beginning at 11:00 AM, a Memorial Day celebration will be held at the Village of Orland Park Veterans Memorial. This annual tradition takes place at the Ara Pace – Place of Peace, right outside the town hall. The community is invited to join the village to honor and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

An annual Memorial Day ceremony will be held in the City of Oak Forest, in partnership with the Owen J. Winter, Jr. VFW Post 4241, at city hall beginning at 11:00 AM. The ceremony will include a presentation of memorial wreaths by elected officials, schools and community groups.

The Village of Palos Park will be hosting a Memorial Day ceremony at the recreation center, located at 8999 West 123rd Street. More information about this event is forthcoming.

Head over to the Village of South Holland for their annual Memorial Day Parade, beginning at 11:00 AM. The parade kicks off from 170th Street and South Park Avenue. Immediately following the parade will be a remembrance ceremony, beginning at 12:00 PM, at South Holland Veterans Memorial Park.

There are nearly 20 memorials throughout the Chicago Southland that are wonderful places to visit on Memorial Day, or any other day of the year. Check out our webpage dedicated to the different monuments, statues and parks that commemorate veterans and first responders.

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