The annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony in Homewood will provide an opportunity Monday, May 29, to honor local veterans who have died, and celebrate the service of today’s veterans and the patriotism of the community. The parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. in front of St. Joseph Catholic Church, 17951 Dixie Highway.
The parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. in front of St. Joseph Catholic Church, 17951 Dixie Highway.
In addition to veterans groups, the parade will include marching bands from Parker Junior High School, James Hart School and Homewood-Flossmoor High School.
The parade will travel south on Dixie Highway to Olive Road, then west on Olive to Harwood Avenue. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. at the veterans memorial at Olive and Harwood.
Wally Burns VFW Post 8077 sponsors the event. Post Commander John Beele said what makes the event so special is the way the community comes out to participate.
“When that parade starts out and you see the kids lining up, and the applause ― it just shows you that patriotic spirit is very much here,” he said.
In addition to the marching bands, Girl Scouts often sell poppies and Boy Scouts sell American flags to members of the crowd. The James Hart Orchestra performs during the ceremony.
“Vets love it,” Beele said. “But aside from us being honored, I like to honor the kids. Put the spotlight on them.”
The ceremony always includes the winner of the VFW’s patriotic essay contest. This year’s winner, Christina Cortes of Infant Jesus of Prague School, will be invited to read her essay, “The America I Believe In.”
Related stories:
Homewood VFW Post recognizes 10 essay winners (Feb. 25, 2017)