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Under skies striped with blue and sunshine, the memory of local heroes fighting for freedom was at the center of Winnetka’s quintessential small-town Memorial Day celebration.

Philip Hoza, Winnetka resident and quartermaster at VFW Post #4831, served as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot in Vietnam and participated in Monday’s ceremony.

The program on the Village Green was highlighted by selections of patriotic music, the decoration of the memorial with wreath bearers from Winnetka Scout Troop #20, the military flag honor guard Winnetka Scout Troop #18, and the American flag honor guard, Winnetka Scout Troops #18 and #20, with a reading of the names of Winnetka's honored dead from all wars; the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Conflict.
The program on the Village Green was highlighted by selections of patriotic music, the decoration of the memorial with wreath bearers from Winnetka Scout Troop #20, the military flag honor guard Winnetka Scout Troop #18, and the American flag honor guard, Winnetka Scout Troops #18 and #20, with a reading of the names of Winnetka’s honored dead from all wars; the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Conflict.

“Today we take time from our weekend to honor the 94 fallen soldiers from Winnetka and countless others who lost their lives in service,” Hoza said. “We remember those who were lost and we keep their memory alive for the next generation.”

The 10 a.m. parade kicked off from Glendale and Elm Streets, heading east for a ceremony in Village Green Park.

Mike Korman, retired, U.S. Navy Master Chief, participated in the parade and ceremony.

“I see a disconnect between civilian and military worlds — so during a parade like this I like to break rank to connect with the kids and the parents for a fist bump or a high five, a reminder that we are all part of the same community,” Korman said.

Mike Korman, retired, U.S. Navy Master Chief offers a high five to Campbell Baby, 10, Sienna Baby 12, Willa Harris 9, Avery Comstock 9 all from Winnetka during Winnetka's Memorial Day parade.
Mike Korman, retired, U.S. Navy Master Chief offers a high five to
Campbell Baby, 10, Sienna Baby 12, Willa Harris 9, Avery Comstock 9 all from Winnetka during Winnetka’s Memorial Day parade.

Winnetka Park District’s Recreation Manager Toby Ross said the Memorial Day the observance is meant to be a more somber program, a smaller parade not to match the fanfare of the Fourth of July.

Stephanie Degen of Winnetka attended with family.

“I want my children to know the importance of coming together with the community to honor those who have lost their lives for the freedoms we enjoy,” Degen said.

Twins Nick and Evan Degen, both 4 years old, Stephanie Degen, all from Winnekta, with Evie Degen of Northbrook enjoy the Memorial Day Parade on Monday.
Twins Nick and Evan Degen, both 4 years old, Stephanie Degen, all from Winnekta, with Evie Degen of Northbrook enjoy the Memorial Day Parade on Monday.

The program on the Village Green was highlighted by selections of patriotic music, the decoration of the memorial with wreath bearers from Winnetka Scout Troop #20, the military flag honor guard of Winnetka Scout Troop #18, and the American flag honor guard of Winnetka Scout Troops #18 and #20, with a reading of the names of Winnetka’s honored dead from all wars; the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict, and the Vietnam Conflict.

Master of Ceremonies and United States Army veteran, Captain Matt Schachman presided, selections of patriotic music were performed by the Bill Porter Band, the Christ Church Choir, and soloist, Charlie Ver Eecke, who sang America the Beautiful, and led the crowd in the national anthem, with featured remarks by Michael Achilles Dolan, Eagle Scout Troop #20.

Also present on the cenotaph, Sen. Mark Kirk and other special guests.

Winnetka Park District's Recreation Manager Toby Ross said the Memorial Day the observance is meant to be a more somber program, a smaller parade not to match the fanfare of the Fourth of July.
Winnetka Park District’s Recreation Manager Toby Ross said the Memorial Day the observance is meant to be a more somber program, a smaller parade not to match the fanfare of the Fourth of July.

During his remarks, Michael Achilles Dolan said we honor the Winnetkans who have paid the ultimate price with their lives, whose names are carved into the cenotaph and read aloud every Memorial Day.

“Our gratitude extends to those who have served and come home, to those who are presently on active duty, and to those recent New Trier graduates scheduled to enter service,” Dolan said.

Katie Comstock of Winnetka attended the ceremony.

“We are so grateful for our servicemen and women for all they do, and for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, we honor their courage today,” Comstock said.

The program on the Village Green was highlighted by selections of patriotic music, the decoration of the memorial with wreath bearers from Winnetka Scout Troop #20, the military flag honor guard Winnetka Scout Troop #18, and the American flag honor guard, Winnetka Scout Troops #18 and #20, with a reading of the names of Winnetka's honored dead from all wars; the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Conflict.
The program on the Village Green was highlighted by selections of patriotic music, the decoration of the memorial with wreath bearers from Winnetka Scout Troop #20, the military flag honor guard Winnetka Scout Troop #18, and the American flag honor guard, Winnetka Scout Troops #18 and #20, with a reading of the names of Winnetka’s honored dead from all wars; the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Conflict.
The program on the Village Green was highlighted by selections of patriotic music, the decoration of the memorial with wreath bearers from Winnetka Scout Troop #20, the military flag honor guard Winnetka Scout Troop #18, and the American flag honor guard, Winnetka Scout Troops #18 and #20, with a reading of the names of Winnetka's honored dead from all wars; the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Conflict.
The program on the Village Green was highlighted by selections of patriotic music, the decoration of the memorial with wreath bearers from Winnetka Scout Troop #20, the military flag honor guard Winnetka Scout Troop #18, and the American flag honor guard, Winnetka Scout Troops #18 and #20, with a reading of the names of Winnetka’s honored dead from all wars; the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Conflict.

Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.

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