You Inspire Us
On May 27th, Byline Bank was honored to join with Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest (CBOPRF)* as a co-sponsor of the 94th Annual River Forest Memorial Day Parade and festivities. Over 100 local community, civic and business leaders participated in the parade, stepping off to make the annual event a huge draw for the thousands of local and near-local attendees.
This year, the Memorial Day Parade’s Grand Marshal was decorated local hero and retired Air Force Staff Sergeant veteran Richard Gadek. Staff Sergeant Gadek is a true representation of what the best of local resources and a community who believes in its kids can create: a graduate of Oak Park and River Forest High School, Richard enlisted in the Air Force in 2002, where he went on to serve his country in areas of active foreign hostility, including Iraq, where he served several tours.
This year, the civilians and veterans alike who lined the route were thrilled to be entertained by the many patriotic entries—including Byline’s branded car, where our team members were proud and touched to be amongst the many patriotic participants. One favorite tradition of the parade which featured once again this year was the Riderless Horse, which traveled the route as a somber reminder of our country’s fallen heroes.
Our folks passed out candy to the crowd during the parade, while at the end of the route, further volunteers worked tirelessly with the River Forest Civic Association to prepare the 100s of free hot-dog lunches for attendees. As Grand Marshal, Richard got to be “in front of the class” this year, as he closed the festivities with remarks at Keystone Park, honoring local veterans. Byline was again proud to be a co-sponsor of the community picnic with the Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest and local branch attendees joined in the warm celebration of those who have dedicated their lives to keeping so many safe for so long.
Byline has been a proud part of Chicagoland for over 100 years, and we take our responsibility to our neighborhoods very seriously. It’s an honor to be a trusted bank where we live and work, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to the people who keep each of our diverse communities strong and vibrant. We’re just where we want to be.
To find out how Byline could support your event, contact us.
