Memorial Day may be the official start of the summer season, but the day is much more than picnics or barbecues. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that honors and mourns military personnel who have died while serving in the armed forces. It is observed annually on the last Monday of May.
Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day inspires families to visit cemeteries and memorials to honor and mourn those who died in the U.S. military. Volunteers will also place American flags on the graves of military personnel in national cemeteries.
Jacob Pintozzi of Joliet plans to remember his dad on Monday as his father, Michael, died during the Vietnam War. “I try to tell my kids and their friends the true meaning behind Memorial Day,” he said. “For most people, it is part of their three-day weekend. But they must take the time out and remember these men and women who are the true heroes.
“These people gave their lives to their country so people like us can continue living in freedom.”
Cassidy Jones of Plainfield said she loves talking to her family about her grandfather, who served during World War II.
“He has since died, but Memorial Day was such a big deal for him as well as the entire family,” said Jones. “This is about knowing that there is something so much bigger than yourself. These people who serve in the military are truly selfless.”
While no one in his family lost their lives in service to their country, Milo Jacobazzi of Bolingbrook said Memorial Day still represents the ultimate sacrifice anyone will do for their country. “I am 60 years old, and I notice the younger generation do not even want to serve in the military,” he said. “We have got to change that because the military helps us stay safe from others who want to harm America. At least take a moment on Monday and say a prayer for those who died in service for their country.”
Jacobazzi plans to spend a portion of his holiday attending the Memorial Day Parade and ceremony in nearby Plainfield. The American Legion parade will step off at 10:45 a.m. Monday from Ira Jones Middle School and then travel to Settlers’ Park, 24403 W. Lockport St., for a ceremony.
In Shorewood, a memorial service is scheduled outside of Village Hall, 1 Towne Center Blvd., as part of a nearly 160-year-old tradition that pays tribute to military personnel who lost their lives in service to the country. The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. May 29 at the Veterans Memorial in Towne Center Park. The ceremony will include a keynote speaker as well as a rifle salute.
The Village of Romeoville will celebrate and honor veterans at the Memorial Day service at 10 a.m. May 29 at Edward ‘Doc” McCartan Veterans Memorial, 11 Montrose Drive.
All Veterans Administration cemeteries, like Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, will also be open from dawn to dusk on Memorial Day weekend so people can pay tribute to our fallen heroes. mmayer@thetimesweekly.com