THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2008

---

Annual Memorial Day Parade, Service May 26

Des Plaines' annual Memorial Day parade and observance will be held again this year at Lake Park on Monday, May 26 beginning at 10:15 a.m.

The event will honor all military veterans who gave their lives for their country. It is sponsored by VFW Post 2992, American Legion Post 36 and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 311. Main activities will be held at the Lake Park Memorial Pavilion where the names of Des Plaines veterans who died serving their country dating back to the Civil War are engraved on the wall of the structure.

The parade will kick-off at Maine West High School, led by the school band, at 10:15 a.m. It will proceed on Howard Street east to Lee Street where it will turn south and end at the Pavilion. Immediately following the parade, a memorial service will be conducted. It will begin around 10:45 a.m. and include a speaker, program and ceremonial laying of wreaths by local organizations.

Organizers are asking that any groups that are opposed to the war not participate in the parade. The event is not about the war in Iraq, but about the men and women who have served to preserve freedom and democracy, they explained.

For further information, call VFW Commander Steven Schaefer at 847-452-6991.