Oak Parkers and River Foresters will have ample ways to celebrate Memorial Day on Monday, with events that kick off early and continue throughout the day.
The annual Memorial Day remembrance in Oak Park’s Scoville Park will have a Civil War focus as this year marks the 150th anniversary of the start of that war.
Village President David Pope will open the service at 10 a.m. in Scoville Park, Oak Park Avenue and Lake Street, followed by Grace Episcopal Church’s Rev. Shawn Schreiner performing the invocation.
The service follows with a patriotic display that includes the presentation of the American flag by the Oak Park police department honor guard unit, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the singing of the national anthem.
Veterans abound in this ceremony, which will continue with the introduction of vets and dignitaries, the performance of a Civil War song, a rifle salute, and more. The event culminates with the benediction by Austin Boulevard Christian Church’s Rev. Dwight Bailey, and a performance of America the Beautiful.
In River Forest, the legendary annual parade will kick off at 11 a.m. at Constitution Park, 7715 Greenfield Ave. After heading south on Ashland, the floats and parade will continue westbound on Lake and finish up at Keystone Park, Lake and Keystone.
A Memorial Day service is slated to begin in Keystone Park at roughly 1 p.m., or once the parade ends.
River Foresters are invited to stay for the free picnic afterwards, complete with traditional all-American cook-out fare of hot dogs, chips, and soda.