A Memorial Day tradition in Cicero returned this year after a two-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

American Legion post 787’s annual Memorial Day Parade kicked off at noon.

“I’ve been organizing this Memorial Day parade for well over 20 years,” said David Plato, past Commander of Post 787. “We are here to honor the lives of those that have been lost and presently serving.”

The annual parade is followed by a ceremony and wreath laying for those who lost their lives serving the country.

It was the first Time the Memorial Day parade has been held in Cicero in more two years due to the pandemic, and Plato said while there were some challenges bringing it together, doing so was important to him and the community.

“It gave me great pleasure to see all of these people out, and it gave me great pleasure to be with them,” he said.

The parade brought out several local organizations from Boy Scouts to the Knights of Columbus, an organization that was originally formed largely to assist those whose spouses went off to serve and never came home.

“We’re here to honor past members who have lost their lives, in several past wars, honor their memory,” said Vann Dristle of the Knights of Columbus.

Plato said he was particularly moved by the number of children who came out, whether with organizations or with their families, to honor those who lost their lives defending the country they call home.

“We’re teaching the youngsters to honor their fathers and forefathers, and hopefully they will serve in the steps that we all served,” he said.

The parade and ceremony also featured local police and fire departments as well as government officials.