City of Elmhurst Names William R. Shanklin as Grand Marshal of the 108th Memorial Day Parade

The City of Elmhurst is proud to announce that longtime resident, decorated veteran, and dedicated community leader William R. “Bill” Shanklin has been named Grand Marshal of the 108th Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade.

Shanklin, an Army Special Forces veteran who served during the Cold War and Vietnam War era, has spent decades contributing to both his country and the Elmhurst community. The Memorial Day Parade Committee nominated and unanimously voted Shanklin to serve as the Grand Marshal.

Raised on the north side of Chicago, Shanklin graduated from Lake View High School in 1961 and enlisted in the United States Army later that year. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and went on to specialize in Combat Intelligence. His military service included assignments with Headquarters Company, 8th Infantry Division G2 Section, and the 8th Military Intelligence Detachment (Airborne), supporting the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He also served with the 12th Special Forces Group (Airborne) through the Active Army Reserves.

“Bill Shanklin exemplifies a lifetime of service—both to our nation and to the Elmhurst community,” said Heather Bereckis, Business Development Manager and Parade Organizer. “His leadership, dedication, and commitment to honoring our veterans make him an outstanding choice to serve as Grand Marshal of this year’s Memorial Day Parade.”

During his service, Shanklin spent more than two years deployed overseas and earned the call sign “snake-eater 2,” a reflection of his role supporting elite Special Forces operations

Military Honors and Achievements

Over the course of his military service, Shanklin received numerous distinctions, including:

  • Unit Awards:
    • Army Presidential Unit Award
    • Presidential Unit Award
    • Army Superior Unit Award
  • Personal Decorations:
    • Army Commendation Medal
    • National Defense Medal
    • Army Achievement Medal
    • Overseas Service Medal
  • Special Qualifications and Badges:
    • Senior Parachute Wings
    • Pathfinder Badge
    • Expert Marksman Badge
    • Airborne Tab
    • Ranger Tab

 

In 2019, at the age of 75, Shanklin was selected to participate in the 75th anniversary of D-Day, completing a commemorative parachute jump from a C-47 aircraft into Normandy—an experience that reflects his lifelong commitment to honoring military service and history.

Professional and Community Leadership

Following his military service, Shanklin built a distinguished career in business leadership while remaining deeply committed to the Elmhurst community. His professional experience includes:

  • President, Champion Container Corporation (2015–2021)
  • Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Champion Container Corporation (beginning in 2002)
  • President, Century Container Corporation (1998–2001)
  • Leadership roles at Illulmelex (1992–1996)

He holds:

  • A bachelor’s degree in business management from Roosevelt University
  • A master’s degree in business administration from Lewis University

Shanklin has also dedicated significant time to public service and civic engagement in Elmhurst, including:

  • Mayoral-appointed member and former Chair of the Elmhurst Economic Development Commission
  • Member of the Elmhurst Public Library Board of Trustees (multiple terms)
  • Advisory Board member, Elmhurst University
  • Member of the City’s Veterans Memorial Commission
  • Active participant in the America250 Working Group

He was instrumental in supporting community initiatives, including fundraising efforts for the America250 bell and the York High School Military Memorial.

Veterans and Community Service

A committed advocate for veterans, Shanklin is:

  • A Life Member and former Sergeant-at-Arms of Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187
  • A longtime member of the Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade Committee (2004–2025)
  • A past organizer and Master of Ceremonies for the City’s Veterans Day and Memorial Day observances

Community Recognition

Shanklin has been honored with numerous awards for his service to the community, including:

  • Elmhurst Fire Department Certification of Appreciation (2006)
  • Elmhurst Bluejay Backers Community Service Award (2012)
  • Elmhurst Jaycees Distinguished Service Award (2017)
  • Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry Civic Hall of Fame (2020)
  • City of Elmhurst Darrell Whistler Special Service Recognition Award (2022)
  • York High School Service Award (2022)
  • City of Elmhurst Outstanding Senior Citizen Service Award (2023)

While Shanklin’s military and professional accomplishments are extensive, he is most proud of his family. He married his beloved wife Camille in 1969 and shared 37 years of marriage before her passing in 2006. He is the father of two daughters, Alexandria and Christina, and a proud grandfather to William, James, and Christopher—all of whom reside in Elmhurst.

Elmhurst’s 108th Annual Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 25, 2026, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at York Street and Third Street. A memorial ceremony will follow at approximately 11:00 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial in Wilder Park.

This year’s observance will honor the service and sacrifice of the nation’s fallen heroes while also recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States.

For more information, visit ExploreElmhurst.com/MemorialDay.

 

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