We had a beautiful sunshiny day for Barrington’s 2026 Memorial Day Parade and ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery. So many families showed up to support the community’s veterans, first responders, students and all who marched down Main Street honoring those who serve and have sacrificed for our country.
We also found a few photographers along the parade route capturing the stars, stripes and spirit of the day. Thanks to Bob Lee for sharing his images (see full album including our combined photos below) to go with these thoughts we gathered from both veterans and others who turned out in a strong show of solidarity…
“I remember coming back from serving in Afghanistan and it was just business as usual. For our older generations, most people went to war and so a larger population was affected by it. Your brother, uncle, cousin, they all went and fought and came back so everybody kind of suffered together. But, for the last twenty years, it’s been one percent continually fighting the wars. You come back and you want to make sure it still matters. That’s why Memorial Day Weekend is not just the gateway to summer. It’s an opportunity to stop, pause, reflect and enjoy everything we’re afforded really. We’re all so busy. I’m so busy. So it’s really meaningful to take time to pause and remember.” – Brandon Tole, American Legion Post 158 Commander & U.S. Marine Corps
“On Memorial Day and Veterans Day, I think everybody embraces the military and supports them fully. But a lot of times it can feel like a thankless job because people don’t get to see it. So parades like this and community events like this actually do mean a lot to the veterans and all the people serving the country including the first responders. I think it’s good for them to see and feel this support.” – Christopher Millar, U.S. Air Force (2005-2010), Visiting Barrington from Phoenix, AZ
“I appreciate everyone coming together and reflecting on everything that this day is about; remembering those who have fallen, those who have served, and just taking a pause in our busy lives to recognize the sacrifices folks made for us.” – Ashley Millar, Wife to Veteran, Christopher Millar
“It’s an opportunity to reflect on sacrifices made and enjoy the comforts we have here in America that we don’t necessarily think about on a daily basis. It’s another way for us to embrace our American heritage and the values that Americans hold dear to our hearts.” – Carla Tschiniak, Lake Barrington
“I really appreciate those who have given their lives. People take that for granted. We internally as a country kind of divide but the people we honor today bring us together.” – David Tschiniak, Lake Barrington
“Regardless of what you think about politics or anything else, I think it’s important as a part of larger community to honor the sacrifices our veterans have made.” – Bill MacKendrick, Barrington Resident
“This is one of those holidays where we talk about mowing the grass or buying a mattress. When you come to the Memorial Day Parade and hear stories about those who have sacrificed and died in service of our country, it’s very touching and brings back to reality what this holiday weekend is all about.” – Ann Minciotti, Barrington Resident
“For me, Memorial Day brings back memories of some of the people I lost and the camaraderie shared with fellow veterans, although I’ve lost contact with most of them. When I came back from Vietnam it wasn’t too good. We weren’t welcome home. We were spit at so you never told anyone you were in Vietnam at the time, coming off the plane. This is much better. It’s nice to see the kids, see everybody happy and coming together like this to remember those who have served.” – Lennart Henriksson, Vietnam War Veteran, Barrington
Thank you to all who shared their thoughts with me this Memorial Day. And, stay tuned for more to come on efforts underway to restore the membership of Barrington’s American Legion Post 158. The 106 year old local chapter of the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization is staging a comeback after dwindling numbers due to its aging membership *almost* caused its decline. This is exciting news for local veterans seeking support through connection and camaraderie. We’re going to do what we can to help them reach their goals!
Thanks again to Bob Lee for sharing the following snapshots of this year’s Barrington Memorial Day parade and services at the community’s historic Evergreen Cemetery on Dundee Road. We crossed paths with our cameras, as we often do, and I created the following album for you to enjoy. We join the ranks of all who feel deep gratitude for the freedom we share, thanks to those who’ve sacrificed so much on our behalf. 🇺🇸
