Memorial Day events pay tribute to fallen veterans

Staff Report

A series of events in downtown Rockford will pay tribute to fallen veterans on Memorial Day, May 28.

The annual Memorial Day Parade kicks off at 9 a.m., Monday, May 28, at Seventh Street and Sixth Avenue. The parade will follow the traditional parade route and end at Beattie Park. The United States Marine Corps will be this year’s featured branch of service. Grand Marshal will be United States Marine Corps Major Clark Pollard, retired. Area police and firefighter units, along with local school marching bands and the Phantom Regiment marching band, will be participating in this year’s parade.

The annual Naval Ceremony will be held immediately following the parade behind the Rockford Public Library Main Branch, 215 N. Wyman St. Major Clark Pollard, retired, will be a featured speaker. This patriotic service will also include a welcome address by Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen (R), opening prayer, singing of the national anthem by Donna Lamb and formal program including the sinking of the ship by Members of the Navy Club Ship No. 1.

A Memorial Day Program, featuring the history of Memorial Day and the Grand Army of the Republic, will be at Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., from 11 a.m. until noon, Monday, May 28. The program will honor the 150th anniversary of the Civil War battle at Shiloh and the veterans from Winnebago County who fought there. The program is presented by The Sons of The Union Veterans of the Civil War and Veterans Memorial Hall.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue