Memorial Day Weekend Marks Summer's Start in Orland Park

ORLAND PARK, IL — Memorial Day Weekend in Orland Park means the start of summer.

"We officially welcome summer to Orland Park with the arrival of Memorial Day Weekend," said Mayor Dan McLaughlin. "The village's aquatic center opens and we gather as a community to remember the brave men and women who have given their lives serving our country," the mayor said.

The village's Centennial Park Aquatic Center begins its 25th season on Saturday, May 28.

The village's Veterans Commission will host its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 30 at 1 p.m. at the village's memorial, Ara Pace - Place of Peace, located at the Village Center, 14700 South Ravinia Avenue.

"The village's ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day are very moving and we invite everyone to join us," McLaughlin said. "On Memorial Day, we remember those who have died serving our country and we also recognize the veterans and their families whose names have been added to the village's memorial," the mayor said.

The names of 35 veterans have been added to Orland Park's granite wall since the village's Veterans Day Ceremony. A number of them are expected to be at the ceremony with their families while deceased veterans will be represented by family and friends.

Refreshments will be served inside of the Orland Park Civic Center immediately following the ceremony and attendees will be able to view the memorial tables with photos of the veterans whose names were added to the wall.

"We're happy to honor the 35 veterans whose names have been added to the village's wall," McLaughlin said, adding, "It's always nice to see the vets and their families proudly rise to their feet as everyone applauds their service to our country."