Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

The City of Crystal Lake Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony will be held on Monday, May 27, 2024.

The parade begins at 11:00 a.m. at Central High School and runs east on Franklin Avenue, north on Williams Street, and west on Woodstock Street to Union Cemetery, where a Memorial Service is held.

Chris Borchert, a Crystal Lake resident, will be the speaker for this year's ceremony. Borchert served in the United States Air Force on active and reserve duty for 28 years, recently retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. His last two assignments were the Pentagon and Joint Base Andrews, where he was a commander for the 316th Security Forces Group. Borchert also served for 25 years as a Supervisory Special Agent with the FBI, focusing on national security matters. Borchert responded to the 9/11 attacks on the Pentagon, Anthrax attack on Capitol Hill, and other terrorist attacks, including tours in Afghanistan.  He recently retired from the FBI and is working in the private sector.

Borchert is the recipient of several commendations, including the Department of State's Medal for Heroism - Afghanistan, six United States Air Force Meritorious Service Medals, the United States Air Force Commendation Medal, two Department of Defense Global War on Terrorism Medals, three United States Air Force Nuclear Deterrence Operations Medals, 12 FBI Performance Awards, and the District of Columbia, United States Attorney's Office, Investigation Performance Award.

As a reminder, the Memorial Day Parade and Cemetery Service is a solemn event intended to honor veterans and those who have given their lives for their country. Please do not distribute candy or fliers during the parade and please keep marching units and floats consistent with the nature of this event.

For questions regarding the application or parade, please contact Melanie Nebel at (815) 459-2020 or mnebel@crystallake.org.

Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony Application