Rockford Marks 156 Years of Memorial Day Tradition as County Honors 554 Fallen Veterans

Rockford celebrated its 156th consecutive year of hosting a Memorial Day parade Monday, drawing crowds of veterans, families, and community members through downtown streets for a ceremony that stretched from Civil War reenactors to a keynote speech by a Vietnam War veteran who said women in the military still face discrimination.

A century-old parade draws families

A horse-drawn carriage led Civil War-era reenactors through downtown Rockford as spectators waved American flags near the Rockford Public Library, according to WIFR. The parade marked the 156th year Rockford has hosted the annual event, a tradition dating back to the Civil War era.

"My father and my father-in-law both were in World War II and I feel like this is honoring them," said Sandra Poli, who watched the parade in front of the downtown Rockford Public Library.

Memorial Day traces its origins to 1868, when General John A. Logan, later a U.S. senator for Illinois, issued General Order No. 11 designating May 30 as a day for decorating the graves of fallen soldiers, according to WIFR.

554 veterans honored at Veterans Memorial Hall

After the parade, Winnebago County leaders gathered at Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum to pay tribute to 554 veterans who died in the county last year, according to WIFR.

"They gave up their civilianship, their livelihood to serve our country," said Scott Lewandowski, director of the Veterans Hall.

The program featured a ceremonial playing of "Taps" and white roses laid in front of symbols for each branch of the military, according to WIFR.

Maryna Misiewicz served as the keynote speaker. She joined the military in August 1966 for the Vietnam War but said a Veterans of Foreign Wars post declined her admission after she returned, according to WIFR.

"We still face discrimination, but it's better. It's so much improved," Misiewicz said. "I've stood on the shoulders of many women, myself, and I feel the women that are on my shoulder today."

Dick Larson, a Navy veteran who attended the parade, offered a simpler tribute.

"This is a great country. I'm a veteran, Navy," Larson said, according to WIFR.

'Sinking of the Ship' ceremony marks 104 years

The Rockford Navy Club Ship #1 held its annual "Sinking of the Ship" ceremony along the Rock River on Memorial Day, according to WTVO. The tradition honors military members who died on ships while serving and features a model battleship sinking, a wreath presentation, and a 21-gun salute.

The Rockford Navy Club holds historical significance as the first Navy Club established in the country, according to WTVO.

"We've been doing this for 104 years," said Bob LaMay, commander of the Rockford Navy Club Ship #1. "So, it's a very memorable thing. But, combat keeps giving us bad things and that's people who are no longer with us. And that's why we came here today and all the other years, to remember all our brothers and sisters that aren't with us."

Freedom Trucks coming to Rockford

The Veterans Memorial Hall plans to host "Freedom Trucks" as part of America's 250th anniversary celebration, according to WIFR. The traveling museums will roll into Rockford from May 31 to June 2.

The Rockford Register Star also published a photo gallery from Monday's parade and program, documenting the event held May 25, 2026, in downtown Rockford.