Chicago area marks Memorial Day with ceremonies and parades as travelers pack roads, airports
Mayor Brandon Johnson attended a Grant Park ceremony on Monday.
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Many of those who came out on Monday to honor those who died while serving our country told ABC7 there is a value in sharing their stories, not just for Memorial Day, but for the next generation to come.
"I think about my buddies, they're no longer here with us, and really try to dedicate myself to living up to the sacrifices they made for us," said Sen. Tammy Duckworth.
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Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, spoke words of encouragement during the 10th Annual South Side Memorial Day Parade, reminding everyone the value of service.
Duckworth led the wreath-laying ceremony near 77th Street and Emerald Avenue. She said she lost fellow service members during her tour of duty in Iraq.
"That's how you keep them alive, is to continue to tell their stories as the years go by, especially for the family members. They want to hear their loved ones' names, and so, it's really important to mention the names and to talk about them," Duckworth said.
Duckworth said many of the people she served with were from the South and West sides of Chicago, and so she emphasized the value of making veterans, especially ones of color, feel heard and empowered.
"I hope that they feel the love from the people that are here today and the people of Chicagoland and the people of Illinois," Duckworth said. "I hope that they feel my love and know that I am going to stand up and fight for them and to fight for everything that their loved ones fought for and defended. I am not going to give up."
Duckworth said she while we honor those we lost, we should not to forget to celebrate those that are still here, including those who have served and are serving.
Johnson attends Grant Park ceremony, touts weekends violence stats
And Mayor Brandon Johnson attended the annual Grant Park Memorial Day ceremony.
Afterwards, he spoke about what the day means to him under the Trump administration, and he addressed weekend crime numbers in Chicago.
John Logan was an Army General from Illinois who defended the union in the Civil War. He was also the founder of Memorial Day. His statute in Grant Park has been the site of a Memorial Day ceremony for the past 29 years.
"As we remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our liberties and those who continue to serve, we have to always honor them," Johnson said.
As Johnson helped honor fallen soldiers in Chicago, President Donald Trump placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, a tradition that goes back almost a century.
SEE ALSO | Trump honors fallen service members at Arlington National Cemetery to mark Memorial Day
Trump spoke about the military's service and ultimate sacrifice before bragging about his own accomplishments.
"Their valor gave us the freest, greatest and most noble republic ever to exist on the face of the earth, a republic that I'm fixing after long hard years," Trump said.
Prior to the Arlington ceremony, Trump wrote a Memorial Day message on social media, calling the previous administration "scum."
"Clearly, there is a level of distain that this president has that is what's sensible about our democracy," Johnson said.
The president plans to celebrate the U.S. Army's 250-year anniversary with a big military parade in Washington, D.C. on June 14, which is also his birthday.
Duckworth commented on the plans, saying, "They are going to stage a parade in Washington, D.C. to the tunes of tens and millions of dollars. At the same time, they are cutting funding and benefits for veterans. That is disgusting and shameful."
While Monday is one of annual traditions, one that is bucking the trend is Chicago crime numbers.
According to Chicago police data, last year, 41 people were shot over Memorial Day weekend. This year, at least 20 people have been shot since Friday night. Mayor Johnson says it has nothing to do with the cold weather.
"We are driving violence down the city of Chicago, because we're taking a full force of government approach," Johnson said.
The mayor is confident that as the weather warms up and school ends, his approach to safety will continue to pay off violent crime will continue to go down.
Veterans, fallen soldiers honored across Chicagoland
Meanwhile, Circuit Court Judge Leonard Murray, who served in Vietnam, used the day to reflect on his choice serve his country.
"When I graduated from college in '68, there were three drafts that I was involved in: The U.S. Army, the NBA, professional basketball, and also the CBA, which is a different professional basketball league," Murray said. "I acknowledge my draft choice."
And on the city's North Side, Rosehill Cemetery is home to the Battery A Chicago Light Artillery Monument.
That unit served in the Union Army during the Civil War.
A ceremony was held there on Monday to honor the fallen.
In Elgin, the Bluff City Cemetery Program paid tribute to the 75th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. More than 600 flags were flown, honoring local veterans.
Out west, the Naperville community honored its 114 residents who died while on active duty.
Families are also using this moment to show the next generation the opportunities that serving can give.
"You have young people out here, and they get an opportunity to see what having a career in the military can do for them. It can give them a chance to buy a home. They can pay off loan debt. They can see the world. They can get a career. And so, I think the positivity that this parade provides, it says it all," said South Side Memorial Day Parade participant Sandra Alfred.
And in Arlington Heights, the sounds of marching bands and cheer filled the streets on Monday.
The Memorial Day parade weaved through town, stepping off at Sigwalt and Arlington Heights Road.
"Arlington has the best parades. They really do," said attendee Kathy Fredin. "Their Fourth of July one is huge."
"Arlington Heights is one of the most patriotic communities in the country," said Major General James Mukoyama Jr. "They have more than just parades. They have programs for veterans."
Mukoyama , of the U.S. Army, served as the grand Marshall.
"We've lost 1 million service members, 700,000 of them were serving overseas, defending our allies and our freedoms," he said. "When there's any kind of disaster in the world, natural or man-made, who shows up with support, financial support, medical support personnel? The answer? The United States of America. We have every reason to be proud."
Members of the Special Olympics of Illinois marched in their first ever parade.
It was special moment for soccer and track athletes.
"We have about 60 families, athletes, everybody, friends, support supporters and what's really important is we're getting awareness out into the community," said Adam Berger with the Special Olympics Leaders Council.
"Oh yeah, my mom and my dad is watching, so thank you so much for all the support in this community," one Special Olympics athlete said.
The parade ended in Memorial Park for a ceremony in which they listed local service members, by name, who made the supreme sacrifice.
"It's great that it brings the community out and everybody gets together. And then, it feels like it's the start of summer coming in, now," said attendee Vito Natale.
Travelers pack roads, airports as holiday weekend ends
And as the festivities wrap up, local gas stations and roads have been packed throughout Monday.
The travel rush is on as people make their way back home from the long holiday weekend.
AAA estimates about 45 million Americans traveled more than 50 miles away from home this weekend.
Chicago saw many of those drivers coming and going from different states.
"It's insane here, but I like the driving. I like to drive in Chicago," said Kyra Griffin, who visited from Davenport. "I'm ready to get back on the highway and back to smaller town driving."
Americans are paying a little less at the gas pump for this year's holiday. AAA reports the national average sits around $3.19 per gallon. That's the lowest it has been on Memorial Day weekend since 2021.
But drivers told ABC7 it is still too expensive, and some stayed close to home because of it.
"We all stayed local. Gas is pretty high. Not going to spend money on unnecessary trips," said Chicago resident Zach Dixon.
"I don't even pay attention to it. I just pump. People complain. We can't change it, so I just pump and keep it going," said William Tolliver, another Chicago resident.
Airports are bustling, too.
The TSA screened more than 3 million people on Friday alone, which marked the third busiest travel day ever.
People say these long holiday weekends are the perfect reminder for Americans to slow down and enjoy their loved ones.
"We rarely get the opportunity to really just bond. In passing, everyone is doing their own thing. Everybody was there for the same reason: to enjoy each other," said Jimmy Casinelli, who traveled from Minneapolis.
Here's a list of Memorial Day events happening around the Chicago area:
Arlington Heights
The parade will kick-off at 9:30 a.m. The parade lines up on Sigwalt/Davis streets from Sigwalt and AH Road going East. Members of the Special Olympics will be marching in the parade.
A ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at Memorial Park located at Chestnut and Fremont in Arlington Heights.
Aurora
The Memorial Day Parade steps off at 10 a.m. at Benton Street and River Street. This year's Grand Marshal is Arlen Peterson, a U.S. Army Veteran, longtime community member, and a recent cancer survivor. Marching bands will fill the parade with music from Aurora's talented youth at East Aurora High School, West Aurora High School, Waubonsie Valley High School, Scullen Middle School, and Fischer Middle School, along with the Aurora Roosevelt American Legion Band. Other crowd favorites, such as the electrifying South Shore Drill Team, the Lamplighters Barbershop Chorus, Costumers with a Cause, the Phillips Park Zoo, the Aurora Public Library's Bookmobile, the East Aurora NJROTC, the West Aurora High School Cheer Team, and Diamond Dancw Academy will help to energize Aurora for this 157th anniversary of Memorial Day.
Batavia
There will be an 11 a.m. ceremony at VFW Post 1197, 645 S. River St. Includes the Batavia Community Band, wreath-laying, POW/MIA tribute, and rifle salute.
The Decoration Day Cemetery Walk will take place from 10-10:45 a.m. at the Depot Museum. A walking tour through West Side Cemetery featuring stories of Batavia's Civil War veterans. Weather permitting.
Blue Island
Former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn will be the featured speaker at the annual Blue Island Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at 11a at Memorial Park, 12800 Highland Ave., Blue Island.
Carpentersville
A Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony is happening at 10 a.m. in Veterans Garden, Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave.
Chicago
In Grant Park, Chicago Mayor Crandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will join other elected and community leaders to Commemorate Memorial Day.
-The Chicago Chapter of The Vietnam Veterans Group Will Hold a Wreath Laying Ceremony At 9 a.m. At The Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Wabash And Wacker along the Riverwalk.
-Veterans Against the War (formerly called Iraq Veterans Against the War), Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW) and Veterans for Peace will gather in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. The organizations will come together to demand a more just foreign policy that adheres to international laws. The Memorial Day observance will also draw attention to the cuts on the Veterans Affairs Administration and the toll those cuts are taking on veterans. The event will begin with an 11 a.m. speaker program, there will be a wreath laying ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial located at 24 East Wacker Drive along the riverwalk.
-South Side Memorial Parade
Residents of the South Side will host a wreath laying ceremony at 10 a.m. at 7750 S Emerald Avenue. Senator Tammy Duckworth will attend. The 10th annual South Side Memorial Day parade is taking place today at 11 a.m. The parade will start at 77th and Emerald and travel west on 79th Street until they get to 81st and Racine. Afterwards, members of the community will enjoy family friendly entertainment at Veterans New Beginnings at 8140 S Racine.
-Rosehill Cemetery Ceremony
Rosehill will host a Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony in conjunction with Tattler Post #973, Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, Chicago Light Artillery, Daughters of the American Revolution and local dignitaries/elected officials. The ceremony will celebrate past and present veterans. "Avenue of Flags" to display 165+ USA flags of deceased veterans. Costumed Union soldiers of the Chicago Light Artillery to discharge a Canon Salute. The parade will kick-off at 10 a.m. from Rosehill Drive and Ashland Avenue. There will be a ceremony at the Rosehill Veteran Garden after the parade at 10:45 a.m.
Crown Point
-The American Legion Post 20 and the City of Crown Point will host the annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony today. The parade will begin at 10:30 a.m., with staging at the Cal Ripken Little League parking lot along Joliet Street. The parade begins on Joliet Street, goes to Main Street south to Wells Street and ends at the Historic Maplewood Cemetery.
At 11 a.m., there will be a brief ceremony at the Historic Maplewood Cemetery in recognition of those who sacrificed for our freedom with a presentation from Jim Laud Sr. of Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors Northwest Indiana.
Elburn
-Memorial Day Ceremony at 10 a.m. at Blackberry Township Cemetery (Route 47 & Keslinger Road). Procession starts at 10 a.m. from Lions Park, 500 Filmore St.
Elgin
-Catholic Mass along with a combined color guard, rifle salute and the playing of taps at 8:30a at Mount Hope Cemetery, 1001 Villa Street.
-A rifle salute and taps will be played at 9a at Lakewood Memorial Park, 30W730 Route 20
-At 9:40 a.m., the Elgin Navy Club and the Elgin Marine Corps League program, which pays tribute to veterans interred at sea, will spread flowers into the Fox River, host a rifle salute and play taps at Elgin Veterans Memorial Park, 270 N. Grove Ave.
Elmhurst
-The 107th Annual Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade is kicking-off at 9:30 a.m. at York and Third St. and will make its way to Wilder Park. Starting from Third Street, the parade will head south on York Street to Second Street, veer east along Robert Palmer Drive through the underpass and west back to York Street, south on York Street to Church Street, west on Church Street to Prospect Avenue and north on Prospect Avenue past the Veterans Memorial.
At 11am, there will be a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial at Wilder Park located at 175 S Prospect Ave.
Geneva
-Memorial Day Parade / Ceremonies : Monday, May 26 - Geneva will honor Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, with early morning ceremonies starting at 6:00 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery, followed by stops at the State Street Bridge (6:30 a.m.), Kane County Memorial (6:45 a.m.), and the WWI Monument at the Geneva Township Senior Center (7:10 a.m.).
The Memorial Day Parade will begin at 10:00 a.m., staring at the Geneva train station and moving down Third Street and ending at Wheeler Park.
A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. featuring the Geneva High School Choir and Marching Band,. Note: Third Street and the intersection at State Street will be closed; parking restrictions begin at 8 a.m.
Huntley
Memorial Day Ceremony: Monday, May 26 at 11 a.m. at Huntley Cemetery.
Hoffman Estates/Schaumburg
-The Memorial Day Observance that will be held today in both Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg. The Hoffman Estates portion of the event will begin at 10 a.m. at the Hoffman Estates Veterans Memorial site located in front of the Hoffman Estates Police Department at 411 W. Higgins Rd. Immediately following the lowering of the flag in Hoffman Estates, the observance will move to Schaumburg for a 10:45 a.m. ceremony at the St. Peter Lutheran Church & School, 202 E. Schaumburg Rd. in Schaumburg.
Kaneville
-Memorial Day Program: Monday, May 26 at 10 a.m. Includes historical presentation and choir performance, followed by a march to the cemetery and refreshments at the Community Center.
Montgomery
Memorial Day Ceremony: Monday, May 26 at 11 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery.
Naperville
Ceremonies at various veteran memorials around Naperville, beginning with a service at 7:45 a.m. at the Cmdr. Dan Shanower Memorial at city hall.
-Other ceremonies will be conducted at 8:15 a.m. at the GAR Monument in Naperville Cemetery; at 8:35 a.m. at Veterans Park, 100 E. Gartner Road; at 9 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, 911 North Ave.; and at 9:25 a.m. at the Burlington Square Doughboy monument, 307 N. Ellsworth St.
-The Memorial Day parade kicks-off at 10:30 a.m. from West and Jackson all the way to Central Park.
Memorial Day Mass, Palatine
The Archdiocese of Chicago will celebrate Memorial Day with a Field Mass at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery in Palatine.
The Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Cemeteries will host its annual field Masses at 21 cemeteries throughout Cook and Lake counties. Guests will pray for peace and honor those who have served this country and remember the fallen. Active members of the military and veterans will receive a special blessing during the liturgies followed by the playing of "Taps."
Park Ridge
The Parade will commence at 10 a.m. starting from the intersection of Cumberland and Talcott Road. The 1.2 mile Parade route will end at the steps of the Park Ridge City Hall where an announcer will narrate all groups and participants as they march past Hodges Park. We expect over 16,000 participants & spectators.
South Elgin
Memorial Day Dedication: Friday, May 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the new Public Safety Center, 50 S. Water Street, there will be a Veterans Plaza Paver Dedication. The ceremony will recognize more than 150 veterans who have been honored with engraved pavers at the Veterans Plaza. The event will include the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner and remarks from veterans who helped plan the plaza.
St. Charles
Memorial Day Events: Monday, May 26 6:00 a.m. - Flag raising at Baker Community Center followed by cemetery processions. 10:00 a.m.
Parade begins at 6th and Main Streets. 10:45 a.m. - Memorial service at the Freedom Shrine (Rain location: St. Charles Fire Station).
Skokie
The Village of Skokie will honor all those who have died in service of the U.S. military at its annual Memorial Day observance ceremony at 11a at Skokie Village Green (between Village Hall and Skokie Public Library) near 5155 Oakton St.
Woodridge
The Woodridge Memorial VFW Post 1578 is sponsoring the parade. It steps off at 9a from Lisle-Woodridge Fire District Station 52, 75th Street and Woodridge Drive, and proceeds north on Woodridge Drive, then east on Center Drive to Woodridge Memorial Park, Center Drive and Janes Avenue.
Wheaton
The American Legion Post 76 will host a Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 10 a.m. in Wheaton. The parade begins at the corner of Union Avenue and Hale Street proceeding west on Union Avenue, turning south on West Street, and ending at the Wheaton Cemetery.
