Veteran's Day Friday Nov. 11, 2022

Washington Park - Ottawa, Illinois 61350 (Bounded by Jackson, LaSalle, Lafayette, and Columbus Sts.,) in downtown Ottawa, IL (in case of rain VFW Post 2470)

Assemble at 10:00 AM Commence Ceremony at 10:15 AM Firing Squad and Taps at 11:00 AM

Luncheon to follow at: VFW Post 2470 1501 LaSalle St., Ottawa, IL

The public is encouraged to attend:

On Memorial Day Monday May 30, 2022 - Members of the Ottawa Memorial Association will gather at 8:15 AM at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at South LaSalle St & Woodward Memorial Drive where a Ceremony will be held to honor our Vietnam Veterans. The Ceremony will include a Prayer, Placing of the Wreath, lowering of the Flag to Half Mast, Rifle Salute, and Taps.

We line up our parade on Main Street in Ottawa, IL at the Fox River Bridge at 9:00 AM

The Navy Memorial Presentation is at 9:15 with Prayer, Ceremony, and the dropping of the wreath, followed by 21-gun salute and Taps The parade starts immediately after the Navy Memorial Ceremony.

After our parade, from Main Street Fox River Bridge down Columbus Street, The Ottawa Memorial Association, distinguished guests and the public will assemble in Washington Park (Jackson and LaSalle St) in downtown Ottawa, IL

At 10:00 AM The Ottawa Memorial Association will host a Memorial Ceremony in Washington Park that concludes with a 21-gun salute and playing of Taps.

After the ceremony the public invited to a luncheon at the American Legion Post 33 901 LaSalle Street Ottawa IL (directly across the street West from Washington Park).

Washington Park - Downtown Ottawa, Illinois (in case of rain VFW Post 2470)

Assemble at 10:15 AM Commence Ceremony at 10:30 AM Firing Squad and Taps at 11:00 AM

Assemble 9:00 AM at Main St and Fox River Bridge Short Ceremony Sinking of the Navy Mother's wreath

at 9:30 AM

10:00 A.M. Ceremony in Washington Park.

In Case of Rain we assemble at the VFW 1501 LaSalle Street Ottawa, Illinois 61350 for the Memorial Program.

Line up for the Celebration parade will be at Peck Park on the South side of Ottawa, IL at 2:00 PM

An Airborne Gliderman who like most Airborne men say they are no Hero. Drafted in 1944, George Hanselman served during WWII participating in Operation Varsity. They were a floating duck up there with anti-aircraft fire all around them, despite that, they landed safely when others did not. Hanselman was part of a team that placed mines on Bridges in case the bridges could not be held. Operation Varsity was an Allied victory. It was considered the largest Airborne operation in history in a single day in one place. Hanselman received a Bronze star, but said there were other guys who did more then me. Humbly spoken like the true Hero he is. After V-E day, their next mission - the invasion on Japan. "If we would have invadedJapan, it would have been a bloody deal. We got word that the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, another 3 days later on Nagasaki. Japan surrendered. On December 20, 1945, Hanselman was discharged from the Army. He came back to Ottawa to work 52 years at the glass factory and to raise a family. He was married to Dora Tyler (who has crossed over) and had 3 children. They are Donna Downey, Norma Day, and son George who is a veteran of the Cold War. George married Marge Weihman in 2007 and they reside in South Ottawa, IL

Ottawa Memorial Association 827 Columbus St 2 D Ottawa, IL 61350

For Immediate Release: Contact: Katie Troccoli 815-228-2058

With public gatherings cancelled for the indefinite future, it is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of the Navy Ceremony on the Fox River Bridge, the parade, and Ceremony in Washington Park for Memorial Day. If it is determined that events and gatherings can resume without danger to the public health, we may schedule a special Memorial event later this year.

Flags and markers will continue to mark Veteran graves at area cemeteries.

In lieu of our cancelled events we ask that you honor our soldiers by playing or singing God Bless America at 11 AM on Memorial Day and by displaying American Flags (homemade are acceptable) on your home or window.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

God bless America, land that I love Stand beside her and guide her Through the night with the light from above From the mountains to the prairies To the oceans white with foam God bless America, my home sweet home God bless America, land that I love Stand beside her and guide her Through the night with the light from above From the mountains to the prairies To the oceans white with foam God bless America, my home sweet home From the mountains to the prairies To the oceans white with foam God bless America, my home sweet home God bless America, my home sweet home

We look forward to the day when we may safely gather to honor our soldiers. Until that time please stay home, stay healthy, save lives. #AllInIllinois

Best Wishes,

Katie Troccoli, President

Veteran's Day Monday Nov. 11, 2019

The Public Is Invited

Washington Park Downtown Ottawa, Illinois LaSalle and Lafayette St (in case of rain VFW Post 2470) 1501 N LaSalle St., Ottawa, IL 61350

Assemble at 10:00 AM Commence Ceremony at 10:15 AM Firing Squad and Taps at 11:00 AM

Luncheon to follow at: VFW Post 2470 LaSalle St., Ottawa, IL

Veteran's Day Sunday Nov. 11, 2018

The Public Is Invited

Washington Park Downtown Ottawa, Illinois LaSalle and Lafayette St (in case of rain VFW Post 2470) 1501 N LaSalle St., Ottawa, IL 61350

Assemble at 10:00 AM Commence Ceremony at 10:15 AM Firing Squad and Taps at 11:00 AM

Luncheon to follow at: VFW Post 2470 LaSalle St., Ottawa, IL

Memorial Day 2018

May 28, 2018 9:00 AM Main St at Fox River Bridge Short Ceremony Sinking of the Navy Mother's wreath 9:30 AM

Parade kicks off

Main St to Columbus St to Washington Park

10:00 A.M. Ceremony in Washington Park

Luncheon provided at American Legion Post 33 following program.

Veteran's Day Saturday Nov. 11, 2017

Washington Park - Ottawa, Illinois 61350 (Bounded by Jackson, LaSalle, Lafayette, and Columbus Sts.,) in downtown Ottawa, IL (in case of rain VFW Post 2470)

Assemble at 10:00 AM Commence Ceremony at 10:15 AM Firing Squad and Taps at 11:00 AM

Luncheon to follow at: VFW Post 2470 1501 LaSalle St., Ottawa, IL

The Public is encouraged to attend.

Assemble at 9:00 AM on Main St., at the Fox River Bridge, Ottawa, IL 61350

Short Ceremony - 9:30 AM Sinking of the Navy Mother's wreath.

Parade kicks off:

Main St. West, to Columbus St. North, to Washington Park, (Bounded by Jackson, LaSalle, Lafayette, and Columbus Sts.,) in down town Ottawa, IL

10:00 A.M. Ceremony in Washington Park

Luncheon provided at: American Legion Post 33 901 LaSalle St., Ottawa, IL following the program.