Orland Park, IL (May 23, 2025) – The Orland Park community is invited to join the Village this Memorial Day in remembrance of those who have given their lives for our country. The ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 26 at the Village’s memorial, Ara Pacé – Place of Peace, located outside of Village Hall at 14700 S. Ravinia Avenue in Orland Park.
“Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the courage and selflessness of the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country,” said Orland Park Mayor James Dodge. “I invite our community to come together on this meaningful day to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our nation.”
The names of the five veterans that have been recently added to the Village’s granite wall will be read aloud during the ceremony.
Those interested in attending in person should arrive before the start of the program. Seating for 200 will be provided, guests are also welcome to bring lawn chairs of their own. Those who choose to attend virtually can view the program on the Village’s YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@VillageofOrlandPark
The itinerary for the event is as follows:
- Welcome address will be offered by Dan Marsan, the Veterans Program Coordinator for the Orland Park Veterans Commission and U.S. Navy Veteran
- American flag raising by the American Legion Orland memorial Post #111, Veterans Voices Military Group and VFW Reber-Tesmond Post #2604
- National Anthem sung by the Orland Park Children’s Choir
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Blessing offered by Pastor Jacques Conway, Faith United Methodist Church, Orland Park
- Wreath laying by Steven Bacho, U.S. Navy Veteran, Commissioner - Orland Park Veterans Commission
- Memorial Day Reflections/Reading of Newly Engraved Names by Orland Park Mayor James Dodge
- God Bless America performed by the Orland Park Children’s Choir
- Closing Ceremony-TAPS by bugler Allen DeNormandie, U.S. Navy Veteran, V.P. Veterans Voices Military Group, Orland Park and 21-gun salute
It is with tremendous gratitude and pride that the Village of Orland Park adds the names of the following veterans to the memorial wall:
- David A Trechel – U.S. Marines 1969-1970
- Thomas T Georgas – U.S. Army 1966-1967
- Roberto Bargas – U.S. Army 1944-1946
- Kenneth R Kovac – U.S. Army 1988-1992
- Gam Mon Yee – U.S. Army 1957-1959
Families may pick up their veteran certificate of recognition upon the conclusion of the Memorial Day ceremony.
For more information, contact the Veteran’s Commission at (708) 403-6115 or visit orlandpark.org.
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