A larger crowd than expected showed up for Hillsboro’s annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday morning, despite the obvious threat of rain showers and thunderstorms.

The inspiring turnout demonstrated that priorities were clearly focused on paying tribute to the country’s fallen heroes and other veterans rather than the good chance of getting soaked in the process.

Area residents were lining Water Ave. at 10:30 a.m. to watch the traditional parade that included proud marchers from the American Legion and VFW, Scouts, Hillsboro Firemen, and the Hillsboro High School Marching Band.

All the marchers and spectators then gathered in front of the Veterans’ Memorial in Field Veterans Memorial Lake Park to participate in the yearly patriotic ceremony.

Pastor Roger Miller of the Hillsboro Wesleyan Church opened the event with a prayer before Hillsboro Mayor Greg Kubarski presented a warm welcome to those attending the event.

This year’s Guest Speaker was School District Superintendent Curt Bisarek, who addressed the importance of regularly remembering the sacrifices that have been made by so many heroes who wore the uniform of our country. His complete message appears in the May 30 edition of the Hillsboro Sentry-Enterprise.

After the speaking portion of the program, the band played “The Star Spangled Banner,” and proud members of the American Legion and VFW presented a traditional rifle salute directly on the lakefront.

Mother Nature also paid tribute to the veterans by holding off the rain long enough for the Band to conclude the ceremony with “Taps.”