Community Corner

Flag Lines Planned in Honor of Mokena's Fallen Aaron Toppen

Grab a flag and show your support for Mokena's fallen Aaron Toppen.

The community has planned two flag lines in honor of Mokena's fallen soldier Aaron Toppen.

Toppen, 19, was one of five American troops killed earlier this month by friendly fire in Afghanistan.

Flag lines are planned to line both the route of Toppen's return Saturday to Mokena from Midway Airport, and Tuesday's funeral procession from Parkview Christian Church in Orland Park, to St. John's Cemetery in Mokena. 

Toppen is expected to arrive at Midway Airport Saturday at 12 p.m. The timeline of his return to Mokena is uncertain, but participants are encouraged to grab an American flag and line the path of his escort home. Departure from Midway is estimated roughly at 12:30 p.m., but delays are possible. The route will travel on streets lined with yellow ribbons: south on Cicero Avenue to 159th Street, west to Harlem Avenue, then south to 191st Street. It will then head west on 191st Street to Wolf Road, south to Vandenberg Funeral Home, 19604 Wolf Rd. in Mokena. 

Tuesday's flag line beginning at approximately 10:30 a.m. is intended to stretch from Parkview at 11100 Orland Pkwy, to St. John's Cemetery, 200 S. Wolf Rd.

A limited number of flags will be provided Saturday at 7-Eleven, 19101 Wolf Rd. in Mokena, at 12 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring their own. 

If you've never been a part of a flag line, here's what to do:

  • Flags in left hand
  • Cross your heart with right
  • Remain silent
  • Past or present military may salute
Read more about the impact of Toppen's death on the community:


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