Communities across the nation are honoring their men and women who died while serving in the military. Some northern Illinois towns will read their names during solemn ceremonies: some hold parades to remind others of their sacrifice. Gary Seymour says it’s also an important day for veterans to understand they are not alone. He’ll march in Rockford’s Memorial Day parade as commander of the Navy Club of Rockford and as a veteran of the Vietnam War. He says he expects to see veterans of all ages along the parade route.
"They're there watching. They've got their hats on. They've got their colors. They salute us as they go buy. We salute back. It's just something that brings back the honor for the veterans," he said.
Rockford’s parade starts at 9 o’clock this morning, followed by ceremonies at Memorial Hall and along the Rock River. That’s where the Navy Club will symbolically sink a ship to honor Navy members who were lost in battle.
