A variety of events are planned for Memorial Day, Monday, May 29th, 2023, in Elgin. For further information, including possible weather-related changes, visit www.elginmemorialday.org
Bluff City Cemetery, 11:00 a.m. 945 Bluff City Blvd. Elgin
This year’s program will pay tribute to the 75th Anniversary of the Integration of United States Forces. The keynote speaker will be Stanley “Curly” Thompson, Marine Corps Veteran and Commander of Rockford American Legion Post #340.
This program will also feature the Elgin Master Chorale, Elgin High School Band, and Elgin’s Poet Laureate Gareth Mann. Local students will continue the long held tradition of reading Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and General John Logan’s Orders which established Memorial Day.
The most solemn moment of the morning will be the laying of organizational wreaths at the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial – an observance akin to the laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Washington D.C. Activities will include a roll call of deceased veterans, a rifle salute, and the playing of Taps.
There will be shuttle bus service this year. A free shuttle bus will pick up riders at the main gate and east gate before and after the service for transportation to and from the ceremony area.
For those who choose not to attend in person, this service will be broadcast live on WRMN, 1410 AM and WRMN Facebook Live. A video of the program will be available later in the day and posted on the city of Elgin Facebook page.
Mount Hope Cemetery, 8:30 a.m. 1001 Villa Street, Elgin
There will be a Catholic Mass along with a combined color guard, rifle salute, and the playing of Taps.
Lakewood Memorial Park, 9:00 a.m. 30W730 US 20 Elgin
A service to honor those buried at Lakewood Memorial Park located at 30W730 US 20 will be held at the cemetery’s Garden of Honor and include a combined color guard. The observance will conclude with a rifle salute and the playing of Taps.
Elgin Veterans Memorial Park, 9:30 a.m. 274 N. Grove Ave. Elgin
Organized by the Elgin Navy Club and the Elgin Marine Corps League, this program is especially designed to pay tribute to veterans interred at sea. Following a presentation by Elgin Navy Club members, the service will conclude with the strewing of flowers into the Fox River, rifle salute, and the playing of Taps.
Elgin’s Veterans Memorial Park is located adjacent to the Gail Borden Public Library at 274 N. Grove Avenue.
Fifth Generation of the Peabody Family Will Present Wreath at Memorial Day Program
Willa Peabody will join her Aunt Kim Corzine in presenting a wreath at the Bluff City Cemetery Memorial Day Program representing the Elgin American Legion Post 57.
Willa will be the fifth generation of the Peabody Family to continue the tradition of presenting the Memorial Day wreath to honor those who perished during their service to our country.
The Peabody family has a long history with American Legion Post No. 57 and American Legion Auxiliary Elgin Unit No. 57. Helen Peabody, Juanita Peabody, Kim Corzine (Juanita’s daughter), Krista Corzine (Kim’s daughter) are all members. Willa and her Dad, Major Chad E. Peabody, will be traveling from Washington State where he is currently stationed at US Army Fort Lewis / McCord base.
“My grandmother and mother have passed on but I know they will be there in spirit.” says Kim who is honored to continue the family legacy with her 9-year-old niece Willa.
