DUPAGE COUNTY MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE TO HONOR SERVICE OF COUNTY RESIDENTS

Congressman Peter Roskam Will Offer Keynote Address

WHEATON, IL — DuPage County Board Chairman Robert J. Schillerstrom announced today that the County’s Memorial Day Observance will begin with the arrival of the Wild Fire Chapter of HOG (Harley Owners Group) in the Rolling Thunder DuPage brigade that will ride into the County Complex in unity to demonstrate support and respect for Veterans.

“Though the holiday weekend is always filled with family barbeques and graduation festivities, I hope that DuPage families try to find some time to attend our Memorial Day Observance and honor the service of those who have offered the ultimate sacrifice so that we may enjoy our liberties, “Chairman Schillerstrom said.

Congressman Peter Roskam, (R-IL 6) will be offering the keynote remarks.   “I am honored to participate in DuPage County’s solemn commemoration of Memorial Day.  I believe it is the duty of all Americans to pay tribute to those who have gone before us in defense of liberty; and to honor the patriots and heroes whose blood and toil have made it possible for us to live in freedom.  I hope families throughout the County will join us at this remembrance,” Congressman Roskam stated.  

The Memorial Day Observance will be held Sunday, May 27 at 2:00 PM at the site of the Veteran’s Memorial, located on the south end of the pond on the grounds of the DuPage County Government Center.  The ceremony will also include speeches, a color guard ceremony, a weapons salute, and patriotic and military music.  A spectacular 20 foot by 30 foot American flag will be on display courtesy of the DuPage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.  

County  Board member Robert Schroeder (District 5- Naperville) will serve as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.  County Board member Debra Olson (District 4- Wheaton) will join Dirk Enger from the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in honoring three DuPage County fallen heroes who have died in the line of duty since last fall. .

Special commemorations will be given in memory of US Marine Corps Sergeant Thomas M. Gilbert of Downers Grove, US Army Captain Kevin C. Landeck of Wheaton and US Army Staff Sergeant Paul M. Latourney of Roselle.

Offering Reflections will be US Marine Corps Colonel Tom Day and US Army Reservist, Tammy McClendon.   Also taking part in the event will be Bugles Across America and the DuPage County Marines MCL Detachment 399.

In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will move indoors to the auditorium located on the lower level of the Jack  Knuepfer Administration Building at 421 N. County Farm Road in Wheaton.

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