Annual Fort Sheridan National Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony remembers those who made ultimate sacrifice
Chicago Tribune
Last updated: May 26, 2026
The 7th annual Fort Sheridan National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony was held on Sunday, May 24, in Lake Forest. The event, organized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, honored fallen service members. It featured participation from various veteran organizations and volunteers who contributed to memorial displays.
- The ceremony's purpose was to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who died defending the nation. Kevin Griffiths, Master of Ceremonies, expressed deep gratitude to fallen soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines.
- Rochelle Crump, Chief of African American Services, DCFS and president of National Women Veterans United, delivered the Memorial Day Address. Crump, a Vietnam War veteran, highlighted ongoing struggles faced by both male and female service members.
- Andy Barrie of Northwoods Wreaths LLC organized the donation of 82 Memorial Day Planters, adorned with petunias and flags, to gravesites at Fort Sheridan National Cemetery. Volunteers placed these planters on Saturday morning.
- The planters are scheduled to remain at the cemetery until Monday afternoon before being refreshed and delivered to the Highwood/Highland Park VFW Post and the Captain James A. Lovell Veterans Hospital nursing home.
- Veteran Stan Banash has attended the ceremony annually since 1968 to honor his uncle, Michael Banash, a World War II and Korean War veteran. Banash emphasized the importance of understanding military history to avoid repeating past mistakes and acknowledged the sacrifices made for the country's freedoms.
