A quiet crowd gathered around the Village Green Cenotaph Memorial this Memorial Day as the names of Winnetka’s 94 honored dead were named aloud, over the distant hum of cicadas. This year marked the 97th Annual Memorial Day Observance and Parade for the Village, with a 10 a.m.
parade that stepped off from the corner of Glendale Avenue and Elm Streets, making its way east down Elm Street, directly followed by an observance ceremony on the Village Green. Major Craig Muma and Sargent Grant Mallman participated in the 97th Annual Memorial Day Observance and Parade in Winnetka. (Gina Grillo/Pioneer Press) The event honored those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to defend America’s freedom during all wars, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Conflict.
Master of Ceremonies and United States Army Veteran Captain Matt Schachman asked the question, “How do we live a life worthy of such sacrifice?” Eagle Scout Troop 20, the Decoration of Memorial with Wreath Bearers of Winnetka, United States Military Flag Honor Guard of Winnetka and American Flag Honor Guard of Winnetka from Scout Troops 18 and 20 all participated in the 97th Annual Memorial Day Observance and Parade. (Gina Grillo/Pioneer Press) “First we take time to honor the fallen, because those who served have given us the freedom to spend time with family and to enjoy the simple things like going to the beach or eating ice cream, because of the sacrifice they have made,” Schach.
