Under blue skies, one of Illinois’ longest consecutive parades started at 10 a.m. in the triangle with a variety of participants – American Legion members with a huge American flag, a Parade of Veterans, First Responders, Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker, Mayor Marcia Smith, Erie School District’s therapy dogs Mel and Taft, horses, farmers on tractors, school, sports, and community groups, and local businesses.
The parade’s Grand Marshal was Char Winckler, World War II Cadet, Nurses Corp. Also in the parade was WW II Veteran and centenarian Ken Petersen, who was escorted by his daughter Kathy Kuhnen.
Before the parade, Revitalize Erie volunteers gave out free breakfast burritos, bananas, granola bars, water, and coffee thanks to sponsors Stichter Construction, Erie Foods International, Gold Star FS, Young Seeds, and Rise Up.
Following the parade, community members gathered at Erie Cemetery on Albany Road for the annual Memorial Day Service at 11 a.m. with songs, speakers, and reflections on the sacrifices made by past and present generations.
Erie’s mission to honor and remember the departed continues to inspire and bring together a grateful community.
