Memorial Day observances in the Stateline

Rockton

The Rockton Memorial Day parade begins at 9:00 a.m. on Blackhawk Blvd. on the south side of the bridge over the Rock River, laying a wreath into the water, and heads north to the Rockton Township cemetery, with a short ceremony afterward.

The parade includes the Hononegah High School Band, Rockton police and fire, scout troops, and others.

At 8:00 a.m. the parade lines up on East River Street at Blackhawk Blvd.  on the south side of the bridge over the Rock River. After veterans lay a wreath into the water, the parade steps off at 9 a.m. and proceeds north on Blackhawk to Main Street, turns west (left) on Main to Prairie Street, turns right on Prairie to West Union/Rockton Road, turns left on Union to West Street and then goes north (right) on West Street to the Rockton Township cemetery, which is on the left.

Expect delays or avoid the areas listed.

The event is organized by Rockton American Legion Post #332.

Roscoe

The Roscoe VFW and the Roscoe Middle School Band, among other groups, will take part in a Memorial Day Parade. Participants can begin lining up on Main Street south of Bridge Street at 10 a.m.

Starting at the intersection of Bridge Street and Main Street, the parade route will follow Main Street to Harrison Street, proceeding down Harrison into the Roscoe Cemetery, 5550 Harrison Street, where the VFW will hold a memorial ceremony honoring Roscoe's fallen heroes. Everyone is invited.

Beginning at 10:30 a.m., Main Street from Bridge Street to Harrison Street, and Harrison Street from Main Street to 6th Street, will be closed for the Memorial Day Parade. Please avoid vehicle traffic in this area, but come enjoy the parade!

Anyone wishing to participate in the parade should contact the VFW's Bill Graves at 815-218-2282.

South Beloit/Beloit

The United Veterans Memorial Day parade will step off at 9 am on Monday, May 29. The parade starts in downtown South Beloit near Liston Avenue and Blackhawk, heads north on Blackhawk/2, turns east on Grand Avenue, and ends just before Horace White Park in Beloit. The parade route will be closed to traffic, and Bushnell Street will be closed to traffic near Horace White Park for bus parking.

The parade includes five sections, including a VetsRoll van of World War II veterans. Sections line up in South Beloit on Oakland, Springfield, Fair Oaks, Forest Park, and Perry.

Participants include the Beloit Memorial High School Band and ROTC, the South Beloit High School Band, Mead Allen VFW Post 2306 of Beloit, South Beloit American Legion Post 288, West-Field American Legion Post 48, the Military Order of the Purple Hearts, military vehicles, horse riders, the Army National Guard of Beloit, the South Beloit Fire Department, the Town of Turtle Fire Department, Boy Scout Troop 608, Cub Scout Packs 303, 358, 621 of Beloit, Girls Scouts, the Lions Clubs of Beloit and South Beloit, Rockford A's Model A Car Club, City of Beloit, and Disabled American Veterans of Beloit, and many others.

The City of Beloit is partnering with South Beloit for enhanced safety and security along the parade route. Thank you to the Beloit Police, Public Works, and Fire Departments for helping with this event. We remind parents to please keep a close eye on your children to prevent them from running near floats. We look forward to honoring those who gave their life in the defense of our freedom.

The Marine Corps League will perform the Laying of the Wreath at Beloit Memorial Park on Riverside Drive at 6:30 a.m. The South Beloit American Legion Post 288 will hold a ceremony at 11 a.m.

Shirland

Memorial Day services will be held at Shirland Congregational Church (Old North Church), 8179 Forest Preserve Rd. Shirland , IL 61079, on Monday, May 29, 2023 at 2 p.m. People from near and afar are invited to this special tribute to our military personnel past and present.

Following the memorial service, we will walk a short distance to the Shirland Cemetery to place flowers (which will be provided) on the veterans' markers.