Memorial Day Ceremonies Around DeKalb County

According to Wikimedia, ‘Memorial Day’ honors troops who have died in past wars like World War I and the Korean War. Memorial Day was first held in 1865 after the American Civil War. It was called Decoration Day at that time. The holiday was first called Memorial Day in 1882, and became a federal holiday in 1967.  Below are some upcoming events for the 2017 Memorial Day Celebrations around DeKalb County.

Northern Illinois Veterans Memorial in Kirkland

The Village of Kirkland will hold their Memorial Day Ceremony on Sunday, May 28th at the Franklin Township Park, 299 3rd St, Kirkland, at 1:00pm. The guest speaker this year will be DeKalb County Sheriff Roger Scott.

The 2017 Mayors Memorial Day Breakfast will be on Monday, May 29, 2017 from 6:45am to 7:30am at the Elks DeKalb Lodge No. 765, 209 S. Annie Glidden Road, in DeKalb. The guest speaker this year is DeKalb County Sheriff Roger A. Scott who will speak at several locations. The breakfast gives everyone an opportunity to start the day together before they go off to their local communities for the other various ceremonies. A united prayer will be said at 7:15 a.m. At 7:30am there will be a short program that will be done by 8:00am. For more information about the Breakfast, contact Frank at ffb66@juno.com or call 815-758- 5788.

DeKalb’s Memorial Day Parade and Program kicks off at 9:00am Monday with a parade which will begin at the intersection of North 3rd St. and Lincoln Hwy. and end at the Ellwood House at approximately 9:30 a.m.  At 9:30 there will be a program held on the lawn of the Ellwood House. Marine Corp Veteran, Judge Tom Doherty will be giving the keynote address.

The DeKalb High School Marching Band and Huntley and Clinton Rosette Middle schools will be performing as well as the DeKalb High School Choir. Tours of the Ellwood House Mansion first floor will be free until 12 p.m. that day.

The American Legion Post 337 in Genoa is hosting a Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 29th which will start at the Genoa Veterans Home 311 S. Washington St.. The parade will start at 11:30am and end at the Genoa Cemetery, corner of Hill St. and Sycamore St. The ceremony at the cemetery starts about 12:00pm.

The guest speaker at this, and many of the local Holiday events will be DeKalb County Sheriff Roger Scott. Sheriff Scott served with the United States Air Force from 1965-1969. After completing his military service he joined the sheriff’s office. For 17 years he served in a variety of positions and ranks. In 1985 he was appointed as Sheriff of DeKalb County. In 1986 he was elected as DeKalb County Sheriff.

This year the Genoa American Legion will be honoring three WWll veterans:
Glenn Pearson: He was inducted in the United States Army in 1944, Mr. Pearson was a POW and received The Bronze star medal and The Purple heart medal.
Frank Vanson: He was inducted in the United States Army in 1942. Mr. Vanson Served in five major campaigns. He received 5 Bronze star medals and a Silver Star medal.
Bob Glendenning: He was inducted in United Sates Marine Corp in 1943. Mr. Glendenning Served with honor and dignity in the Pacific Campaign.

Come and honor these veterans that have honorable severed our county as well as the men of the military that have fallen in service to our county.