Ceremony replaces rained out parade in Arlington Heights
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) -- There was still a Memorial Day ceremony in Arlington Heights after the threat of severe weather prompted the northwest suburb to scrap its popular Memorial Day parade.
"I'm really not disappointed," said resident Antoinette Higgins-Thrash. "When you hold these outdoor events its really all about safety."
The event traditionally held at the end of the parade route at a local park was moved inside to a high school gym.
After several forecast predicted heavy rain and thunderstorms during the time of the parade, organizers decided to cancel it, citing safety concerns for the parade's 35,000 marchers, many of whom were expected to be children and elderly veterans.
"I always want to air on the side of safety," said Greg Padovani, Arlington Heights Veterans Memorial Committee Chairman. "In this case I think we did the right thing."
The Arlington Heights Memorial Parade is one of the northwest suburbs largest parades, featuring active duty military, veterans, marching bands, and other organizations.
Some parade participants also expressed concerns about the money they'd lose if the parade was cancelled at the last minute.
"Safety is definitely first, saving money if we can to that that's always good," said Edward Ciechanowski, Arlington Heights Boy Scout Troop 132.
However, not everyone was happy about the change. Some Arlington Heights residents like the Gonke family opted not to attend the indoor ceremony, but went to Mount Prospect's Memorial Day Parade instead.
"It's unfortunate they cancelled so far ahead of time. Weather forecast changes all the time," said Arlington Heights resident Lauren Gonke.
At Monday's ceremony, there was the laying of wreaths, along with other traditional Memorial Day remembrances, all symbols of what some say the day is really about.
"We can still honor our veterans and especially those who have paid the ultimate price in the defense of our country," said Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes.
