Quinn to walk in Park Ridge Memorial Day Parade, honor troops at White Sox game

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Governor Quinn will spend Memorial Day in Park Ridge and at U.S. Cellular Field.

Quinn is expected to walk in the annual Park Ridge Memorial Day Parade Monday morning.

"We owe a debt of gratitude to many brave Illinois men and women who have answered the call to serve," Quinn said in a statement released Monday. "It's important that we take the time to reflect on their sacrifice, which is one we can never repay."

The governor is then scheduled to honor troops in a Memorial Day presentation at the Chicago White Sox game Monday afternoon. The statement said he will bring Challenger, a 26-year-old Bald Eagle, to The Cell. Challenger is expected to soar over the stadium during the National Anthem.

Quinn also wants to remind veterans about his "Welcome Home Heroes" mortgage program on this holiday.

The program provides an interest rate of less than 4 percent on a 30-year fixed mortgage and $10,000 of assistance for a down payment.

"So far, 1,300 veterans from Illinois have been able to buy a home using Welcome Home Heroes," Quinn said.

The program also offers a mortgage tax credit worth up to $20,000 over the life of the loan. That helps reduce federal income tax liability.