Several Memorial Day Observances Planned In Palos Area

PALOS, IL — The Palos area is planning several ways to observe Memorial Day, which this year is observed on May 31.

Fred Moreno, president of the Hickory Hills-Palos Hills Area Kiwanis Club, will be presenting a brief program on the history of Memorial Day in the activity room at Kruger Park Recreational Center, 9100 S. 88th Ave., Hickory Hills, The program starts at 10 a.m. will include short film clips that help tell the story of Memorial Day.

Moreno is a Vietnam War combat veteran who served in the Army from 1967 to 1970. He also served 23 years in the Air Force Reserves, where he was part of ground crews during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. From what we hear, Moreno puts on a good show.

“We don’t ‘celebrate’ Memorial Day,” Moreno said. “It’s a day to remember and honor our nation’s fallen.”

Palos Hills Ald. Mike Lebarre (3rd Ward) ,is leading efforts to hang flags, banners and other handmade items at Volunteer Park, 99th Street and 88th Avenue. There will also be a remembrance board where residents can sign their names or pen a note of thanks to a family member that served or veterans in general. The display will be up May 29 through May 31.

“We’re asking people to stop by and reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day,” Lebarre said.

The City of Palos Heights will host it's Memorial Day program at 11am on May 31 at Veterans Memorial, 7607 W. College Drive.

The Palos Historical Society has cancelled its Memorial Day program at Oak Hill Cemetery for a second year due to the pandemic. Instead, members will join the Palos Park ceremony, also set for 11 a.m. at the Village Green, 8901 W 123rd St.