Community members are urged to honor DeKalb-area military veterans by helping to double the number of Memorial Day parade entries as part of America 250 DeKalb. 

The America 250 DeKalb committee, a community coalition organizing the local  commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, has set a  goal to increase the number of entries walking or driving in this year’s parade by 25. That  would more than double the size of the parade held on Memorial Day morning. 

“As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, it is the right time  to enhance the Memorial Day parade into a more impactful salute to America’s greatest  heroes. Without our active service members, veterans, and those who made the ultimate  sacrifice, we would not have the freedoms promised to us in the Declaration of  Independence,” said Mayor Cohen Barnes. “I encourage every community member,  organization, and business to help make this year’s parade the tribute our veterans  deserve.” 

The parade will be held in downtown DeKalb on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, at 9  a.m., with lineup beginning at 8:30 a.m. The parade will travel west down Locust Street,  DeKalb’s honorary Veterans Way, and past the DeKalb Veterans Memorial Mural. It will  then proceed north on Linden Place to the Ellwood House. 

DeKalb-area veterans organizations have long been a part of the parade and are busy  throughout Memorial Day weekend performing important ceremonies to honor fallen  service members. Therefore, it will require the efforts of community members, outside of  veterans groups, to grow the parade. 

Youth sports teams, service groups, nonprofit organizations, clubs, the faith community,  businesses, government units, and labor unions are just some of the groups that would  make great additions to the parade. 

Entries should be proudly patriotic and may include vehicles and floats or be as simple  as a banner and American flags. Salutes to America, veterans, and DeKalb are  encouraged but should remain respectful, as Memorial Day is a solemn holiday. In 

keeping with longstanding parade practices, entries should not include political  candidates, political organizations, or political banners. 

The procession will be followed by a program on the Ellwood House lawn and free first floor tours of the Ellwood Mansion. 

Groups interested in joining the parade can fill out a simple online form at  tinyurl.com/4dk8vtss or on the homepage of the City’s website. There is no participation  fee. Forms should be submitted by Friday, May 8. 

The Memorial Day events are a collaboration of the City of DeKalb, DeKalb Park District, Ellwood House Museum and participating community organizations. 

Questions may be directed to Scott Zak at scott.zak@cityofdekalb.com or 815-748-2396.

The DeKalb County Marines Veterans Color Guard leads the 2025  Memorial Day parade down Locust Street, the City’s honorary Veterans Way.