Village Taps Beloved Longtime Resident To Lead Loyalty Day Parade

NEW LENOX, IL — New Lenox has designated the grand marshal for the 2023 Loyalty Day parade, set for May 7.

Longtime New Lenox resident and prominent business owner Marilyn Kurtz will serve as grand marshal of the 43rd annual William A. Athans and 18th District VFW Posts’ Loyalty Day Parade.

Kurtz and her late husband founded Kurtz Ambulance, as well as Kurtz Memorial Chapel.

"Marilyn is known for her kindness and compassion as well as for her generosity to so many people and businesses in New Lenox and beyond," the Village said in a release. "In addition to being a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Marilyn is a proud American, and the Village of New Lenox is honored to recognize her support of our community."

The Village also announced the installment of the William A. Athans Award, which will be awarded to one parade entry each year.

"The William A. Athans Award will belong to the entry that best embodies the sentiment of the Loyalty Day Parade and of New Lenox’s history as the Home of Proud Americans," the Village said. "This award is being given in honor and recognition of William’s dedication to this event."

The William A. Athans Award will be given alongside the Spectator’s Choice Award and the Spirit Award, all of which will be voted on by parade attendees. Winners of each award will receive a $100 prize.

The William A. Athans and 18th District VFW Posts’ Loyalty Day Parade was established in 1978 in honor of Loyalty Day, a holiday taking place annually on May 1 to demonstrate loyalty to the country and recognize the heritage of our American freedom.

"As the Home of Proud Americans, New Lenox is honored to be able to celebrate our country, our flag, and all those who have served or currently serve in our Armed Forces with this annual event," the Village said.

Three generations of the Athans family, along with New Lenox VFW Post 9545, kept the parade in operation until 2020, when it was put on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the Village of New Lenox took over the parade operations and brought the event back to life for the residents and businesses who enjoy the festive annual tradition.