Memorial Day was born after the Civil War to honor soldiers who had died. Called Decoration Day because of the way graves were decorated to remember soldiers, it was officially named Memorial Day and designated as the last Monday in May in 1971.
Though it has unofficially marked the start of the summer, the remembrance day also includes parades and cemetery memorials. Here are some Memorial Day events perfect for Chicago families.
City
Chicago Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade
May 27, 2023
- Address: Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
The wreath laying ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Richard J. Daley Center Plaza. The parade kicks off at noon and proceeds south on State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street.
Norwood Park Memorial Day Parade
May 29, 2023
- Address: Onahan School, 6634 W. Raven St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Kick off this Memorial Day event at Onahan School. The parade concludes at Taft High School for a tribute ceremony where the American flag will be raised and the Taft Eagles Choir and Taft Drums & Bugle Corp. perform.
North/Northwest Suburbs
Arlington Heights Memorial Day Parade and Memorial Ceremony
May 29, 2023
- Address: Memorial Park, North Chestnut Avenue & Fremont Street, Arlington Heights
- Cost: Free
Watch the Memorial Day parade as it travels from Sigwalt Street all the way until Chestnut and Fremont Street. At the end, there will be a Memorial Ceremony at Memorial Park.
Itasca Memorial Day Parade
May 29, 2023
- Address: Wesley G. Usher Memorial Park, 201-261 S. Walnut St., Itasca
- Cost: Free
The parade begins at Washington Street and Princeton Avenue and ends at Wesley G. Usher Memorial Park for a ceremony.
Memorial Day Observance Event
May 29, 2023
- Address: Veterans Memorial Plaza, 2121 W. Lake St., Hanover Park
- Cost: Free
Join the Veterans Committee in front of Village Hall at the Veterans Memorial Plaza to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Wood Dale Memorial Day Parade
May 29, 2023
- Address: Addison Road and Elizabeth Drive, Wood Dale
- Cost: Free
The parade begins at Addison Road and Elizabeth Drive and travels north to Veterans Memorial Park on Irving Park Road.
Woodstock Memorial Day Parade
May 29, 2023
- Address: Woodstock Square, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock
- Cost: Free
The ceremony kicks off the day in Woodstock Square. The parade will follow. Walk downtown and view storefront displays of military uniforms and mementos from local families.
South Suburbs
Plainfield Memorial Day Park
May 29, 2023
- Address: Settlers’ Park, 24403 W. Lockport St., Plainfield
- Cost: Free
This annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony celebrates the fallen soldiers that fought for our country.
South Holland Memorial Day Parade
May 29, 2023
- Address: Veterans Memorial Park, 450 E. 160th Place, South Holland
- Cost: Free
The parade honors military personnel who have died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The parade begins 170th Street and South Park Avenue. After the parade, there will be a remembrance ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park.
Western Suburbs
Addison Memorial Day Ceremony
May 29, 2023
- Address: 1 Friendship Plaza, Addison
- Cost: Free
Addison’s Memorial Day observances begin with a free pancake breakfast at Indian Trail Jr. High at 8 a.m. There will be a cemetery observance at 10 a.m. before a march to Village Hall. The event will include a ceremony at the Village Hall at 11 a.m. At noon, the Addison VFW will host a lunch of hot dogs, brats, burgers and chips.
Aurora Memorial Day Parade
May 29, 2023
- Address: Benton Street and River Street, Aurora
- Cost: Free
The parade route will begin at the intersection of Benton Street and River Street. Then it heads east on Benton, north on Broadway, west on Downer Place and ends at River Street.
Westmont Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony
May 29, 2023
- Address: Intersection of Cass and Naperville, Westmont
- Cost: Free
This annual parade in Westmont begins at Cass and Naperville and moves south to Veterans Park on Richmond Avenue for a ceremony.
River Forest Memorial Day Parade, Ceremony and Community Picnic
May 29, 2023
- Address: Keystone Park, Central Avenue, River Forest
- Cost: Free
The 98th annual Memorial Day Parade, Ceremony and Community Picnic begins at Augusta and Ashland. It travels south to Lake Street, then west to Keystone Park. The parade will conclude with a ceremony and a free hot dog lunch.
St. Charles Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony
May 29, 2023
- Address: 6th Street and Main Street, St. Charles
- Cost: Free
This annual parade steps off at 6th Street and Main Street. It honors those who have given their lives in service for our country and to honor veterans.
Western Springs Memorial Day Parade
May 29, 2023
- Address: Western Springs Tower Greens, 916 Hillgrove Ave., Western Springs
- Cost: Free
The parade route begins at Hillgrove Avenue and Hampton, heads east to north on Grand Avenue, east on Chestnut Avenue, south on Lawn Avenue and ends at Tower Green.
This post is updated annually.
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