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Chicago Tribune
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Former Gov. Pat Quinn shares Memorial Day message in Blue Island
Former Gov. Pat Quinn never served in the military, but he still has a keen perspective on what Memorial Day means. Quinn was lieutenant governor of Illinois from 2003-2009 and governor from 2009-2015. In that time, he said he attended more than 300 funerals or services for military men and women from Illinois who died serving the United States. Sometimes, he said, he would attend two in a day. The 41st Illinois governor was the guest speaker Monday at the Blue Island Memorial Day program at Memorial Park. More than 100 people attended as he spoke about the meaning of Memorial Day. Quinn, 76, said when he was in office, he thought it was important for someone from the state to be at the funerals. 'Those were very, very sad days,' Quinn told the crowd. 'There were no words in the English language or the Spanish language or any language to relieve the pain of a mom or a dad who lost their son or daughter in serving our country in a faraway place.' Former Lansing resident and Thornton Township Board member Tom Shepherd, who helped bring Quinn to Blue Island for the speech, said he admired that the former governor was able to try to comfort so many families. 'I respected him to begin with,' Shepherd said. 'But I really respected him during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars when he was a governor. He went to services all around the state.' Shepherd remembers the Pullman area losing Sgt. Albert Ware, who died by an improvised explosive device while serving in Afghanistan in 2009. Quinn attended Ware's service and called him 'an all-American hero.' Shepherd was impressed Quinn took the time to come to the service. On Monday, Quinn echoed some of the thoughts of Blue Island American Legion Post 50 Cmdr. Joe Serbantez, who said Memorial Day was about more than cookouts and mattress sales. 'Yes, we have ballgames and we have picnics and all kinds of celebrations and that's good,' Quinn said. 'We were given a gift by God to be here in the United States as citizens in 2025. That's all important. 'But we cannot forget the significance of today, which is to honor all of those who came and served our country. We cannot forget them.' He said it's not just Memorial Day in which they should be remembered. 'As far as I'm concerned, every day should be Memorial Day,' Quinn said, 'We should remember the sacrifices of those who answered the call to duty, went into the face of danger and served our democracy.' He said this area is full of history and patriotism with people willing to serve. 'When you think about it, we're here in Illinois, Blue Island, Illinois, and we're the land of Lincoln,' Quinn said. 'Abraham Lincoln had talked about service at Gettysburg in 1863. That's why we're gathered here today. 'We want to honor those who understood the importance of protecting democracy.' The program featured prayers and remembrances from post chaplain Ken Young, 'The Star-Spangled Banner' and 'God Bless America' sung by Christine Rodriguez, a sounding of taps by Jerry Dagenais and the placement of wreaths by members of the Latin American Advisory Council. Former Blue Island residents Bob and Judy Kissel, who now live in Palos Heights, make attending the Blue Island ceremony a tradition. Judy, 84, brought a rose to a monument at Memorial Park in honor of her grandfather, Chester Kaufman, who served in World War II. 'We grew up in Blue Island and used to swim in the pool over there (on the Memorial Park property) and my husband played Pony League here,' she said. 'We like coming back.' Judy was escorted to the monument by Quinn. 'It was special to have him here,' she said. 'He had a very good message.' In Orland Park, the names of the five veterans who were recently added to the village's granite wall memorial, Ara Pacé, which means Place of Peace, were read aloud during a ceremony. They are David A Trechel, who served in the Marines from 1969-1970; Thomas T Georgas, in the Army from 1966-1967; Roberto Bargas, in the Army from 1944-1946; Kenneth R Kovac, in the Army 1988-1992; and Gam Mon Yee, in the Army 1957-1959. 'Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the courage and selflessness of the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country,' said Mayor James Dodge. The ceremony included representatives of the Orland Park Veterans Commission, the American Legion Orland Memorial Post 111, Veterans Voices Military Group, VFW Reber-Tesmond Post 2604 and the Orland Park Children's Choir.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Parades and concerts mark Memorial day in Schuylkill County
Several communities in Schuylkill County are set to hold parades and other events for Memorial Day. Cressona A Memorial Day parade will be held in the borough, starting at 10 a.m. Monday near Hydro. It will be followed by a ceremony outside the American Legion Post, 1 Front St. Frackville The borough's annual Memorial Day parade will be held at 9 a.m. Monday. It will start at the Frackville Business Center (the former M&T Bank), proceeding up Lehigh Street to the Frackville Memorial Park along West Spring Street. A ceremony will be held at the park after the parade. The Frackville Community Pool will also open for the season on Saturday. Daily rates are $5 Monday through Friday and $6 on weekends. Minersville Minersville will hold a Memorial Day parade on Monday. It will step off at 9 a.m. at the Minersville Little League Complex parking lot, proceeding north on South Fourth to Sunbury Street, then to the Minersville Veterans Memorial at 3 E Sunbury St. The parade will be followed by a ceremony at the veterans memorial. New Philadelphia The borough will hold a Memorial Day parade starting at 8:30 a.m. Monday at the post office. After the parade, there will be a program at the town square; the featured speaker will be Schuylkill County Judge William Burke. In case of rain, the program will be held at the Good Intent Firehouse. Also, there will be a tree-planting ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday at the Simon Kramer Cancer Institute, 15 Alliance St. The tree will be dedicated to Eddie Doyle, a Pottsville Maroons football player who was fatally wounded in World War II. The public is welcome. Orwigsburg The borough will hold a parade at 8 a.m. Monday, starting at the Orwigsburg Veterans Memorial Hall. The event will conclude with a service on the town square, featuring borough manager William Reppy as the speaker. Pine Grove The M&J Big Band will perform a free concert from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, 108 Clubhouse Road. The concert will be held in the Clubhouse Pavilion; patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. The rain date is Monday, Sept. 1. Port Carbon A Memorial Day parade will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, proceeding through the main thoroughfares and ending at the gazebo area for a service and playing of 'Taps' to honor the community's military families and loved ones. Pottsville A Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Garfield Square, honoring a young local servicewoman. There will be playing of taps. A Memorial Day sunset service will be held at 8:10 p.m. Monday inside the main entrance of the Charles Baber Cemetery, 1400 W. Market St. Tom Shay, a local historian, will be the guest speaker. There will be a prayer by the Rev. Dr. Kurt Kovalovich, followed by the playing of taps at sunset. Schuylkill Haven A Memorial Day parade will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, stepping off at Schuylkill Haven Area High School and proceeding down Main Street to Parkway. The Schuylkill Haven Lions Club will also hold a pancake breakfast prior to the event, at the Schuylkill Haven Area High School cafeteria. Tamaqua A Memorial Day parade will be held at 10 a.m., stepping off at East Broad Street. It will conclude with a Memorial Day service at 11 a.m. in Odd Fellows Cemetery.
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Memorial Day 2025 events: List of must-attend parades and carnivals near you
In the United States, Memorial Day is seen as the unofficial start of summer. The long weekend is a time for remembrance, but also for celebration, as families take part in parades, festivals, and outdoor events. This year, New Jersey is once again set to host a wide range of events for Memorial Day, offering something for everyone — from fun runs to food festivals. Here's a look at some of the main events happening across the state. Location: Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus Running from 22 May to 8 June, the annual carnival features a variety of rides, games, and food stalls. It's a popular choice for families and those looking to enjoy live entertainment. Entry: $5 per person (rides charged separately) Opening times: 5 PM to close (Monday to Saturday), 3 PM onwards on Sunday Location: Veterans Memorial Field, Ridgewood Now in its 48th year, this event includes a 10K and 5K run, the Memorial Mile, and races for children. Entry fees vary depending on the event, with proceeds going to local organisations. Also Read: Banks, post offices, USPS and more: What's open and closed on Memorial Day 2025? Location: 37 Plains Road, Augusta Taking place on 24 and 25 May, this event features 20 gourmet food trucks, live band performances, and a children's activity area. Entry: $5 per person (children under 10 enter for free) Timing: 11 AM to 7 PM on both days Parades and Ceremonies by County Bergen County Parades are planned in towns including Allendale, Bergenfield, Dumont, Fort Lee, Ho-Ho-Kus, Oakland, Old Tappan, Waldwick and the Township of Washington. Ceremonies will take place in Allendale, Emerson, Alpine and other towns, some organised in partnership with the American Legion Post. Glen Ridge will hold a Memorial Day observance on 26 May. The Millburn parade begins at 11 AM Montclair's parade starts at 10:30 AM A separate parade in Nutley will also be held the same day Events are planned in several towns, including Bloomingdale, Chatham, Chester, Dover, Jefferson, Long Hill, Madison, Mount Arlington, Mount Olive, Morristown, Rockaway Township, Roxbury, and Wharton. Passaic County Parades in Bloomingdale, Butler, and Passaic begin at 9 AM on 26 May. Other events are scheduled in Wanaque and Woodland Park. Parades are scheduled in Hopatcong, Newton, Sparta, and Vernon, with ceremonies held in Hamburg, Montague, Stanhope, and Stillwater. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States, held on the last Monday in May. It honours military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces. When is Memorial Day this year? Memorial Day will be observed on Monday, 26 May 2025.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Memorial Day 2025 events list: Complete checklist of parades, carnivals and other fests to attend
In the United States, Memorial Day is often considered as the unofficial beginning to the summer season. This long extended holiday weekend serves as the bright opportunity for Americans to be a part of multiple events, such as parades and festivals. Like the past several years, this time too New Jersey is set to host a wide range of events on Memorial Day 2025 . This is surely a not-to-be-missed out opportunity for the ones looking forward to starting the season on a positive note with their family and friends. Here's taking a look at major events taking place this year for the people of New Jersey and nearby states: 1. LEAD Fest Carnival Venue: Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus GIF89a����!�,D; Continue to video 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Taiping: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Undo The annual event is back with a long list of rides and carnival games. It starts early on Thursday and remains open for one and all between May 22 and June 8. The carnival marks the perfect place for live entertainment seekers as well as foodies, who can try out pretzels, hot dogs and much more. The entry fee this year is $5 per person and people will be required to pay separately for taking rides. The opening time is from 5 PM ET till close from Monday to Saturday and from 3 PM ET on Sunday. Live Events 2. The Ridgewood Run Venue: Veterans Memorial Field, Ridgewood The 48th year of The Ridgewood Run features multiple activities that range from 10K and 5K run to the Memorial Mile. Also, this is a race for kids as well. Participants will have to pay an entry fee depending upon the type of run, while the proceeds will be given to local organisations. For more details, check the official website. 3. Sussex County Food Truck and Music FEASTival Venue: 37 Plains Road, Augusta Food lovers would definitely not like to miss out this event from May 24 to May 25 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Visitors will get to experience different types of cuisines that will be served at 20 gourmet food trucks. Besides this, there will be live performances by bands and a special kids activity zone. The best part is that entry for children under the age of 10 is free. Others will have to pay on a $5 per person basis. Timing will be from 11 AM to 7 PM (local time) on both the days. Memorial Day 2025: Key events in Bergen Parades: Several parades are being organised in cities like Allendale, Bergenfield, Dumont, Fort Lee, Ho-Ho-Kus, Oakland, Old Tappan, Waldwick and Township of Washington. Date and timings for each of these events varies from city to city. Ceremonies: Ceremonial events will take place in Allendale, Emerson, Alpine and other regions. Some of these include the events being organised in association with American Legion Post. Memorial Day 2025: Key events in Essex For the residents of Essex, the Glen Ridge is hosting an observance on May 26 to pay respect to the ones who have lost their lives while serving the country. The Memorial Day parade in Millburn starts at 11 AM on May 26, while the parade in Montclair is from 10:30 AM onwards on the same day. Meanwhile, another parade is being organised in Nutley. Memorial Day 2025: Key events in Morris In Morris County, a wide range of events are lined up to take place this Memorial Day in regions like Bloomingdale, Chatham, Chester, Dover, Jefferson, Long Hill, Madison, Mount Arlington, Mount Olive, Morristown, Rockaway Township, Roxbury and Wharton. Memorial Day 2025 : Key events in Passaic Parades in Bloomingdale, Butler and Passaic start at 9 AM (local time) on May 26. There are events being organised in cities like Wanaque and Woodland Park as well. Memorial Day 2025: Key events in Sussex Sussex residents can be a part of the parade this year in cities like Hopatcong, Newton, Sparta and Vernon. Ceremonies will take place in Hamburg, Montague, Stanhipe and Stillwater. FAQs 1. What is Memorial Day? The federal holiday, marked on the last Monday in May, honours people who have lost their lives serving the US military. 2. When is Memorial Day this year? It is being observed on May 26 this year.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Rain falls on Spring events
Apr. 28—Rain on Saturday kept some people indoors, but others ventured out for Great Bend events that included the Earth Day celebration at the zoo, the Drug Take-back station outside of the courthouse, and Family Day at the American Legion Post. The rainfall total over six hours was 0.63 inches at the Great Bend Municipal Airport. Chris Kruger at Argonne Post 180 said the rain may have helped their event, which was indoors. "This is going well," Kruger said Saturday morning, noting they had already exceeded the turnout for the entire day in 2024. Member Rick Munsch was making sloppy joes while Miraya Starnes provided face painting and Robert Levingston made balloon wrist animals. Great Bend Police officers provided Ident-A-Kid packets, that allow parents to collect information about their children, including fingerprints, which they take home for safekeeping. Meanwhile, there was a tent on the east side of the courthouse square for Drug Take Back Day. This was a chance for people to safely dispose of medications that are no longer needed. The Barton County Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with the Barton County Health Department, sponsors this event. Health Director Karen Winkelman said despite the rain, 187 pounds of unused medications were collected on Saturday. The medications were transported Monday by Barton County Sheriff's Office personnel to the DEA Office in Wichita for proper disposal. The most publicized event was the Earth Day Celebration at the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. There was a great turnout, considering the rain, sponsors said. Many families came prepared with umbrellas. Several of the activities were inside at the Raptor Center and the Education Building. The outdoor activities moved closer together and presenters stayed dry under their tents.
