Another large crowd gathered for this year’s Memorial Day Ceremonies in Ottawa. Members of the Ottawa Memorial Association, American Legion and Auxiliary, and VFW Post 2470 gathered for a third year at the Vietnam Veterans Plaza near S. LaSalle St. and Woodward Memorial Dr. to start the day. A wreath was dropped again from the E. Main St. Bridge to remember those in the Navy. Following a parade going up Columbus Street, the Washington Park Ceremony began with Speaker Ted Jenkins talking about his dad’s generation serving in World War II and his generation serving during Vietnam. He says things have changed.
We also spoke with World War II Veteran Francis “Kay” Killelea about his time serving three tours under General George Patton.
Soon he’ll be turning 103 years old. You can hear the full interview we did with him here:
Mike Harden stands next to Katie Trocolli as he talks about the Vietnam Veterans Plaza and about those who served in Vietnam.
Family waves flags as fire trucks begin the Memorial Day parade on Columbus Street.