Park Ridge Memorial Day Parade: Honoring the Fallen and Building Community

Families lined Cumberland Avenue in Park Ridge, waving small flags and eagerly waiting for a day of celebration at the city’s annual Memorial Day Parade on May 25. The city has honored its war dead for 103 years. While modern-day Memorial Day often celebrates, its origins focused on honoring the dead, particularly those who perished in the Civil War.

American Legion Commander and Alderperson Joseph Steinfels delivered an address at the World War II memorial near the South Park Recreation Center. He reflected on the Civil War’s devastation, noting that it claimed about two percent of the American population. ‘Everybody felt the pain,’ Steinfels remarked. ‘Memorial Day started as a means for healing.’ He emphasized the need to remember those who died in service, acknowledging that modern conflicts may not impact communities as profoundly.

Participants in the parade, like Larry Smaha and Mike Roach, underscored this mission. Driving Roach’s 1996 Mustang convertible, they displayed signs honoring Vietnam Combat Veterans. Roach, a combat veteran, emphasized the significance of remembering Vietnam servicemen and informed attendees about free burials available for veterans and their spouses at Fort Sheridan National Cemetery. ‘It’s a beautiful cemetery on the lakefront,’ he said, advocating for awareness of this benefit.

The American Legion hosted a grave remembrance ceremony two days before Memorial Day in Park Ridge. However, the day itself was spent among neighbors, engaging in conversations under oak trees, seated in lawn chairs with coffee, and accompanied by children. Emily and Andrew Maratea, a local family, attended the event. Having lived in Park Ridge for two years, Andrew shared, ‘Park Ridge has a sense of community.’ After living in Chicago, he appreciated the ease of walking to enjoy a parade with neighbors.