Barrington’s Memorial Day Parade and ceremony remembering fallen war veterans was well-attended Monday, despite forecasted rain predicted throughout the afternoon.
The morning was filled with patriotic traditions carried out at different cemeteries across town, culminating at Evergreen Cemetery on Dundee Avenue.
“Both sides of the road leading up to Evergreen Cemetery were lined with people and U.S. flags,” said Paul Corwin, commander of VFW Post 7706 in Barrington.
The parade started in downtown Barrington and proceeded to Evergreen Cemetery.
Color Guards and Barrington elected officials marched in the annual parade, as well as Boy and Girls Scouts. Participating veterans who were unable to walk were given rides in vehicles, Corwin said.
The Barrington High School Band and a combined band from Barrington Middle School Station and Prairie campuses participated at Evergreen Cemetery.
“It’s very impressive and about 50 veterans were there, some in uniform. I would say somewhere around 600 to 800 people attended,” Corwin said.
He explained that he, himself, was a machinist mate first class in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.
Similar to past years, VFW Post 7706 hosted the event with the Barrington American Legion Post 158.
Corwin said winds and rain moved in just as the Evergreen Cemetery commemoration was ending.
“I sensed people were really proud to be Americans, and they were excited about the element of patriotism. It was an electric feeling,” he said.
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