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From the Mayor’s Office
May 26, 2025
Memorial Day Speech 2025
The following speech was read by Mayor Newhard at the May 26, 2025, Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony in Veterans Memorial Park.
Members of the American Legion Post 214, Veterans of Foreign War Post 4662 and their Auxiliaries, Grand Marshal Ken Space, Gold Star Mothers, Scouts, Elected Officials, Clergy, invited Guests, Friends and Neighbors –
Today we meet on Hallowed Ground. We come together as a gesture of love, commitment and support. Today is a remembrance of the lives of the men and women who have served and that we have lost. It is a day of solemnity, introspection and a deep understanding of patriotism and sacrifice.
As Americans we have so much to be grateful for – our freedom, our democracy, our ability to express our viewpoints and to be heard. These are the fundamentals of democracy that have been fought for time and time again and clearly of such value and importance that it remains under constant threat. We are here today as a reminder that that gift has been a result of sacrifice, duty and honor.
This has not been lost on us as a community. Today is an example of our understanding and respect for our soldiers and veterans. Banners honoring our veterans have been hung, flags raised and placed on soldiers’ graves. But there is more that allows the veterans experience be part of our lives, whether it’s breakfast or celebration at one of our schools, a 5k run in honor of a soldier’s life, Founders Day honoring General Hathorn and the Revolutionary War Militia, the vital presence of our American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War. It’s the Veterans Help Center and the weekly participation at our Farmers Market that are all ways that we have a continual dialogue, that we learn and most importantly, we create bonds.
This summer and fall the design and construction phase of the Patriots Path will begin for Veterans Memorial Park. The idea was developed through our stakeholders committee as we created a Master Plan for this beloved Park. This was an idea born from love, respect, and a desire to ensure a connection to the public of meaning and intent – we are hoping it will have a visual and emotional impact on us all.
Gestures of remembrance and friendship large or small are part of the fabric we’ve created and that is an important part of who we are. On behalf of the Village Board of Trustees and representative of the residents of our fair Village, I send heartfelt gratitude to the men and women who have served and caring love for those we have lost.
