Elm Grove honors fallen service members with Memorial Day Parade

ELM GROVE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- In Elm Grove, Memorial Day isn’t just a holiday—it’s a proud tradition of remembrance.

People lined the streets at 10:30 Monday morning for the village’s annual Memorial Day parade, not just to enjoy the sights and sounds—but to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

The parade started at Elm Grove Park and wound its way through the neighborhood. This beloved tradition is meant to honor the servicemen and servicewomen who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

We caught up with a veteran in the crowd named Thomas Hoffman. He says Memorial Day reminds him of his own time serving and what he hopes the younger generation takes away from events like this.

“I was in Abilene, Texas, at Dyess Air Force base for three years, one year in Vietnam, and from ‘74 to '91... I was with the 128th Air Refueling Wing here in Milwaukee. It’s very important for the young people to understand what’s gone into Memorial Day—for those that served but didn’t come home," said Hoffman. 

Hoffman told CBS 58 he was able to honor his own family members earlier that morning. 

"I went out to the cemetery and placed flags on my dad and uncle. They were Korean and World War 2 Veterans and there were a lot of flags out there. It was touching to see all the flags for those that served." 

I went out to the Forest Home Cemetery and placed flags on my dad and my uncle they were Korean and World War 2 Veterans and there were a lot of flags out there. It was touching to see all the flags for those that served

Patriotic spirit filled the streets of Elm Grove with floats, marching bands, cheer squads and dance groups bringing energy to this annual tradition. 

For many paradegoers, the meaning of the day hit close to home. We spoke with Austin Anderson of Waukesha, who was enjoying the parade with his family. 

“I have a lot of veterans in my family, and thankfully all of them made it home safe, but it’s good to support the people who didn’t, and the families who didn’t as well," explained Anderson. 

The Elm Grove Junior Guild organizes the parade each year. For more information on how to get involved in future events, visit their website

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