Community rallies around Roscoe Memorial Day Parade

ROSCOE, Ill. (WTVO) – Poor participation nearly put an end to the annual Roscoe Memorial Day Parade this year.

Officials say the number of people taking part has been in steady decline and feared they wouldn’t have enough for a procession.

Then, just days before the Memorial Day, it all came together.

“Luckily, the village president, police officers, the fire department—we all came to an agreement, and we are very proud.” Roscoe VFW Post 2955 Commander Ruben Hernandez said as hundreds of people lined Main Street to watch the parade.

Hernandez said while he wants Roscoe residents to enjoy themselves, they should also not forget that Memorial Day Parade has a special meaning.

“The parade is not like the Fourth of July,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how small or how large it is. It’s to honor and respect those fallen veterans who never made it back.”

Roscoe residents say because of what Memorial Day stands for, not having this annual event would have been devastating to the community.

“We look forward to the parade,” resident Katie Heuer said. “It’s not a big parade but’s important to honor Memorial Day and what it all stands for.”

The number of parade participants was nearly double than it was last year, VFW officials said.

In addition to the parade that spans approximately two city blocks, Monday’s event included a ceremony for fallen veterans at Roscoe Cemetery.

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