Arlington Heights’ Memorial Day Plans Under Way

Vietnam veterans never received a welcome home at the end of the war. But Arlington Heights made up for that last year with a special nod to Vietnam veterans during the village's Memorial Day Parade.

There will once again be a special Vietnam veterans unit in this year's parade. Memorial Day is a big production in the village, which strives to honor and remember all of its veterans who have served in the military and those who have given their lives, said Greg Padovani, chairman of the Veterans Memorial Committee.

Discover Arlington Heights provided details on the weekend's events:

Memorial Day Concert at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre

3 p.m. Saturday, May 25

This second annual tribute to veterans will feature Vietnam-era music. Between songs, Arlington’s Fallen Heroes will be recognized. Proceeds will benefit the Veterans Park Fund. Tickets are available online or by contacting the box office at 847-577-2121.

10th Annual got freedom? Run/Walk by SALUTE, Inc.

8  a.m. Sunday, May 26

The starting line is at Miner School, 1101 E. Miner St., Arlington Heights. SALUTE's annual event includes 5K/10K run, 5K walk, and a tactical challenge course for 5K runners. Proceeds will benefit SALUTE, Inc. programs for military families. Details and registration at SALUTE's website. 

Memorial Day Parade

9:30 a.m. Monday, May 27

The parade steps off at 9:30 a.m. from village Hall to Memorial Park. Grab your seat along the traditional parade route, which starts at Sigwalt and Arlington Heights Road, travels west on Sigwalt to Dunton, north on Dunton to Euclid, west on Euclid to Chestnut, and south on Chestnut to Memorial Park. Military and veteran units will march along with special units of Vietnam and Gulf War Veterans. A new Honor Flag Unit will march sponsored by Glueckert Funeral Home.

Memorial Day Ceremony at Memorial Park

11 a.m. (after the parade) Monday, May 27

The ceremony Includes a reading of the names of Arlington Heights deceased veterans and fallen heroes.  Honor flags (sponsored by Glueckert Funeral Home) will be placed around the park, as well as 58 honor wreaths.