Best Things to do over Memorial Day Weekend


Memorial Day is a time to reflect on those who died in service to their country. A variety of events are being held over the weekend throughout the suburbs to honor their memory.

Blue Star Memorial Celebration and Unveiling: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 28, at Buffalo Creek Park on Old McHenry Road, just north of Robert Parker Coffin Road in Long Grove. The Long Grove-Kildeer Garden Club will unveil a Blue Star Memorial in a patriotic ceremony featuring flags, music, tributes, treats, flowers and more at the park. The plaque honors those who have served in the U.S. Armed Services. Free. Contact Paula at Paulavanwatson1@gmail.com.

Memorial Day ParadeSouth Elgin Memorial Day ceremony: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 28, Panton Mill Park, 10 N. Water St. Along with guest speakers, the ceremony will include presentation of the colors by the Fox Valley Young Marines and a rifle salute by St. Charles American Legion Post. www.facebook.com/SouthElginIllinois.

Rolling Meadows Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony: Parade steps off at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 28, at the corner of Meadow Drive and Kirchoff Road, and travels west on Kirchoff to the Carillon Tower. All resident veterans are invited to take part in the parade, and family members of local veterans may also march carrying photos or other mementos to honor their loved ones. The city’s observance will continue at 11:30 a.m. at the Carillon, where Elk Grove Township Supervisor George K. Busse, a retired U.S. Navy reserve captain, will present the keynote address. The proceedings will feature a wreath-laying ceremony and recognition of local veterans who passed away in 2021. (847) 394-8500, ext. 1002, or cityrm.org.

Ceremony at Willow Lake Estates: 11 a.m. Saturday, May 28, lower level of Willow Lake Estates clubhouse, 161 W. River Road, Elgin. A Memorial Day ceremony will honor military veterans and first responders. The subdivision created Memorial Island on its grounds in 2014 to honor military veterans, police officers, firefighters and first responders. The event will feature color and honor guards, a prayer from Elgin Police Department Chaplain Al Keating and an address from Mayor David Kaptain, as well as representatives from the Elgin and South Elgin police and fire departments, Elgin Township and the Kane County Sheriff’s Office. Cake will be served. For information, call Ray Russell at (630) 745-7755.

Streamwood Memorial Day Weekend Observance: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 28, through Sunday, May 29, at the Veteran’s Memorial, 301 E. Irving Park Road, Streamwood. The Memorial Day Ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial begins on Saturday with a POW/MIA candlelight vigil. Throughout the night, vigil guards will march past the monoliths. They will be relieved at 11 a.m. Sunday to formally start the Memorial Day Ceremony. streamwood.org/Community/Community-Events.aspx.

Friends of West Aurora Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 29, West Aurora Cemetery, 601 Wilder St., Aurora. Hosted by West Aurora Cemetery Association and Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. The program will be held near the grave of Daniel Wedge, Aurora’s oldest Civil War veteran. It also will highlight Albert Williams, an escaped slave who was a Union veteran. Other events will be posting of colors, singing, speeches by dignitaries, an appearance by President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln re-enactors, a canon salute, and taps. Bring a lawn chair. Follow Friends of the West Aurora Cemetery on Facebook.

Naperville Memorial Day ceremonies: 7:45 a.m. Monday, May 30. Ceremonies at various veteran memorials around Naperville, beginning with a service at the Cmdr. Dan Shanower Memorial at 7:45 a.m. Other ceremonies will be conducted at the GAR Monument in Naperville Cemetery, Veterans Park, Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, and the Burlington Square Doughboy Monument. napervfw3873.com.

Addison Memorial Day ceremonies: 8 a.m. to noon Monday, May 30. Knights of Columbus host a free pancake breakfast at Indian Trail Jr. High. Addison Historical Museum, with various war-related exhibits, Nike Missile Base display, and VFW Post 7446 display, open for touring from 9 to 11 a.m. At 9:30 a.m., a community march, led by led by Medinah Shriners Veterans Unit, from the school to St. Paul Cemetery. At 9:45 a.m., the flag posting at the cemetery. At 11 a.m., ceremony, hosted by the Addison VFW Auxiliary, on the village green at Addison Village Hall, 1 Friendship Plaza. Bring a lawn chair. In case of rain, the ceremony will be held in the village rotunda. www.ithappensinaddison.com.

Fox River Grove Memorial Day parade: 8:30 a.m. Monday, May 30. Parade starts at Algonquin Road School and continues down Algonquin Road to South River Road to the baseball diamond along the Fox River in Lions Park. Lineup begins at 8 a.m. at Algonquin Road School. Concludes with a short program to honor veterans. foxrivergrove.org.

Arlington Heights Memorial Day ParadeArlington Heights Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 30. Parade begins on Sigwalt Street in front of the village hall, and travels west before turning north on Dunton Avenue, then west on Euclid and south on Chestnut. The parade ends at Memorial Park at Chestnut and Fremont streets. At the conclusion of the parade, a Memorial Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at Memorial Park. vah.com.

Bloomingdale Memorial Day Remembrance: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Monday, May 30, at St. Paul Cemetery, north side of Lake Street, Bloomingdale. The Bloomingdale VFW Post 7539 presents colors, taps and a gun salute, with this year’s theme “Our Flag.” villageofbloomingdale.org.

Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade: 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 30. The 104th annual parade, with Grand Marshal Robert Fonzino, a Vietnam War combat veteran, steps off from Elmhurst City Centre at Third and York and proceeds to the Elmhurst Veterans Memorial in Wilder Park for the post-parade military ceremony. It features inspirational speeches by Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin and others, the laying of wreaths by military personnel and civilians, and a traditional three-round volley. Patriotic music will be performed by the Antioch Brass Quintet and bagpiper Brian Costello of the Shannon Rovers, and sung by the Chorus of DuPage and Paige Brook. elmhurst.org.

Itasca Memorial Day Parade: 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 30, at Usher Park, off South Walnut Street. The new parade steps off at Washington Street and Princeton Avenue heading south, continuing west on George Street, north on Oak Street, east on Washington Street, north on Walnut Street, and ending on the corner of Walnut and Bloomingdale Road. Followed by a ceremony in Usher Park. Complete Landscaping will be selling food, with proceeds going to the VFW. itascaparkdistrict.com.

Libertyville Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony: Parade steps off 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 30, from the Libertyville Metra train station. The parade will proceed to Cook Park, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. The ceremony will include performances by the Libertyville High School Band, Butterfield Chorus Club and the VFW Color Guard. The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars will serve coffee and doughnuts from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the legion hall, 715 N. Milwaukee Ave., and the VFW will hold an open house from noon to 3 p.m. at 293 Peterson Road. www.libertyville.com.

Meadowbrook Memorial Day Parade: 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 30. Steps off at Meadowbrook and Almond, Wildwood. The 29th Meadowbrook Memorial Day Young Person’s Parade honors those who served and died, featuring decorated bicycles, children with pets and other participants. The parade heads east on Meadowbrook, curves around the cul-de-sac and returns westbound on Meadowbrook to the starting point. For information, email dlabay@comcast.net or call (847) 362-7073.

Mount Prospect Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony: 9:40 a.m. to noon Monday, May 30, at the Mount Prospect Village Hall, 50 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect. Sponsored by the Prospect V.F.W. 1337 and American Legion 525, the parade begins at the village hall and ends at the Veterans’ Memorial Band Shell at Lions Park for a special ceremony featuring an address by Medal of Honor Recipient Allen Lynch. Veterans are encouraged to join the parade. vfw1337.us.

Elgin Memorial Day services: 9:45 a.m. Monday, May 30, at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. The program pays special tribute to veterans interred at sea. The Memorial Day program at 11 a.m. at Bluff City Cemetery, 945 Bluff City Blvd., Elgin, includes several keynote speakers, musical tributes, the laying of wreaths and a rifle salute. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, as seating is limited. Also, a Catholic Mass along with a combined color guard, rifle salute, and taps at 8:30 a.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery, 1001 Villa St., and 9 a.m. service to honor those buried at Lakewood Memorial Park, 30W730 Route 20, in the cemetery’s Garden of Honor. cityofelgin.org/calendar.aspx.

Bartlett Memorial Day Walk & Remembrance: 10 a.m. Monday, May 30, at Bartlett Park, Oak and North avenues, Bartlett. Begins at 10 a.m. with an American Legion flag retirement ceremony. At 10:30 a.m., veterans, Scouts, civic groups and bagpipers will line up for the walk to Bartlett Cemetery, which steps off at 11 a.m. At the cemetery, the remembrance continues with a brief program and a cannon salute honoring Bartlett’s local heroes. bartlettil.gov.

Cary Memorial Day Parade: 10 a.m. Monday, May 30, in Cary. Steps off at Holy Cross Lutheran Church on First Street and Three Oaks Road and proceeds south on First Street and ends at the Cary Veterans Park. Concludes with a short program to honor the departed veterans. carygrovechamber.com.

Geneva Memorial Day parade: 10 a.m. Monday, May 30. Steps off near the downtown Metra Station and heads north on Third Street and ends at Wheeler Park’s World War I monument, 400 Wheeler Drive. Memorial Day salutes at Oak Hill Cemetery, 799 Bennett St., at 6 a.m.; State Street bridge at 6:20 a.m.; Kane County Veterans Memorial, 719 S. Batavia Ave., at 6:45 a.m.; and Geneva Township Senior Center, 400 Wheeler Drive, at 7:10 a.m. genevapost75.org/memorial-day-22/.

Hoffman Estates-Schaumburg Memorial Day Observance: 10 a.m. Monday, May 30. The public is invited to attend a Memorial Day Observance, which begins at 10 a.m. at the Hoffman Estates Veterans Memorial Site outside the Hoffman Estates Police Department, 411 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. The observance continues at 10:45 a.m. at the St. Peter Lutheran Church Cemetery, 202 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. The outdoor event takes place rain or shine, with an indoor contingency if needed. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. After the observance, visit the St. Peter picnic grove for hot dogs and refreshments, weather permitting. hoffmanestates.org.

Mundelein Memorial Day parade: 10 a.m. Monday, May 30, at the Metra station, 205 N. Archer Ave., Mundelein. Parade route is Division Street to Pershing Avenue to Memorial Park, where Mayor Steve Lentz will speak. Parade lineup is at 9:15 a.m. Hosted by American Legion Post No. 867 and the village. mundelein.org.

Palatine American Legion Post 690 Memorial Day Services and Parade: Service begins at 10 a.m. Monday, May 30, at Hillside Cemetery, 375 N. Smith St., Palatine. At 10:15 a.m., the parade steps off from Cornell Avenue and Smith Street, proceeds north on Smith Street, east on Robertson Street and south on Brockway Street and then east on Wood Street to the Veterans Memorial in Community Park, where a short program will be held. At 12:15 p.m., a ceremony will be held at the Legion Memorial in Towne Square, 150 W. Palatine Road. (847) 359-1606 or alpost690.us.

Hanover Park Memorial Day Observance: 10-11 a.m. Monday, May 30, at the Hanover Park Village Hall, 2121 W. Lake St., Hanover Park. The event, sponsored by the Veterans Committee, will be held at the Veterans Memorial Plaza. hpil.org.

Lincolnshire Memorial Day Commemoration: 10 a.m. Monday, May 30, at Spring Lake Park, 49 Oxford Drive, Lincolnshire. lincolnshireil.gov.

Lisle Memorial Day Parade: 10 a.m. Monday, May 30. Hosted by Ross Bishop VFW Post 5696, the parade begins at Lisle Junior High, 5207 Center Ave., and proceeds down Main Street to School Street, ending on Center Street at Lisle Veterans Memorial for a short remembrance ceremony at 10:30 a.m., followed by short ceremony at 10:45 a.m. at Lisle Cemetery, 979 Ogden Ave. lisleparkdistrict.org/specialevents.

St. Charles Memorial Day Parade: 10 a.m. Monday, May 30, starting at Sixth and Main streets and continuing to Riverside Avenue. Ends at the Freedom Shrine with a ceremony featuring the annual Proclamation, a keynote address from Jack Erwin, and taps played by Jim Stombres. In the case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be at 10:45 a.m. inside the St. Charles Fire Station 1, 112 N. Riverside Ave. Flag ceremonies, led by Boy Scouts posting colors, an Honor Guard and an honorary gun salute, start at 6 a.m. at Baker Community Center, 101 S. 2nd St.; then South Cemetery, off Seventh Avenue; North Cemetery, off Fifth Avenue; and Union Cemetery, off Fifth Avenue. www.stcharlesil.gov.

Wauconda Memorial Day Parade: 10 a.m. Monday, May 30, on Main Street in Wauconda. The parade steps off from Cook Park and heads south to end at Memorial Park, Route 176 and Main Street. A Memorial Day remembrance ceremony will be held at noon at Memorial Park. Hosted by American Legion Post 911. waucondaparade.com.

Western Springs Memorial Day Parade: 10 a.m. Monday, May 30, at Western Springs Tower Green, 916 Hillgrove Ave., Western Springs. The Western Springs VFW Post 10778 hosts the parade, which steps off from Hillgrove and Hampton, goes north on Grand to Chestnut, east on Chestnut to Lawn, south on Lawn to Hillgrove, and west on Hillgrove to the Village Green, where a brief ceremony honoring members of the military will take place. The parade features community groups, marching bands and members of the military. Retired U.S. Army National Guard Brigadier General Alicia Tate-Nadeau will serve as the Grand Marshal. wsprings.com.

Wheaton Memorial Day Parade: 10 a.m. Monday, May 30. Steps off from Memorial Park, travels west on Union Avenue, south on West Street, onto Warrenville Road, and ends at Wheaton Cemetery with a ceremony led by American Legion Post 76. wheaton.il.us.

Wheeling Memorial Day Parade: 10 a.m. Monday, May 30. Hosted by AMVETS Post No. 66, the parade starts at the former Sam’s Club parking lot, 1055 McHenry Road, and ends at the AMVETS building, 700 McHenry Road. (847) 537-0440.

Barrington Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony: 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 30. The parade begins on Cook Street, travels west on Main Street to Dundee Avenue and concludes for a solemn ceremony in Evergreen Cemetery, 610 S. Dundee Ave. The ceremony will feature village President Karen Darch, former village Trustee Jim Daluga, the Rev. Michael Brown from St. Matthews, veteran Paul Corwin, the Signal Hill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), Scouts BSA, the Barrington Children’s Choir, and the Barrington Middle School and High School bands. barrington-il.gov/calendar.php.

Naperville Memorial Day Parade: 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 30. Hosted by the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 and American Legion Post 43, the parade steps off at Jackson Avenue and West Street, proceeds east to Washington Street, north to Benton Avenue, and east to Ellsworth Street. Followed by a ceremony at noon in Central Park’s Community Concert Center, with guest speakers and musical tributes performed by the Naperville Municipal Band. Ceremonies begin at 7:45 a.m. at Commander Dan Shanower Memorial, GAR Monument at Naperville Cemetery at 8:15 a.m., Veterans Park at 8:35 a.m., Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery at 9 a.m., Burlington Square at 9:25 a.m. napervillememorialdayparade.com.

Waukegan Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony: 10:30-11:45 a.m. Monday, May 30, at Veterans Plaza, 2 S. Washington St., Waukegan. The Memorial Day Parade will step off at Washington and Genesee, continuing west to Veterans Plaza. A ceremony will take place at the Plaza. waukeganil.gov.

Elk Grove Village Memorial Day Ceremony: 10:45 a.m. Monday, May 30, at the Elk Grove Park District Pavilion, 1000 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village. The annual observance is hosted by the village, American Legion Post 216, VFW Post 9284 and its Ladies Auxiliary. It will include the placing of wreaths by community organizations, a flag-folding ceremony by the Police and Fire Honor Guard, as well as a gun salute and a performance by the Elk Grove Village Big Band. (847) 357-4040.

Carol Stream Memorial Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Monday, May 30, at Veterans Memorial Plaza, at Ross Ferraro Town Center, at Gary Avenue and Lies Road. Hosted by Carol Stream Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10396 and the Carol Stream Park District, the speaker will be Dick Naylor, a Vietnam War veteran and a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. Featuring wreath presentation, rifle salute, taps performed by Bill Mertz, and Tom McNeil playing “Amazing Grace” on bag pipes. csparks.org/veterans-memorial-plaza/.

Des Plaines Memorial Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. to noon Monday, May 30, at the Lake Park Memorial Pavilion, 2200 Lee St., Des Plaines. The Des Plaines Park District and American Legion Post 36 host an observance that includes a flag ceremony, the national anthem, speeches, a memorial ceremony and the presentation of wreaths. dpparks.org.

Glendale Heights Memorial Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Monday, May 30, at Veterans Memorial Park, 220 E. Fullerton Ave., Glendale Heights. VFW Post 2377 conducts a “Fallen Warrior” ceremony with a flag and color guard presentation, rifle salute and playing of taps. Volunteer on Thursday, May 26, to plant flags representing a fallen soldier from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. glendaleheights.org.

Huntley’s Memorial Day Parade: 11 a.m. Monday, May 30, at Huntley Town Square, 11712 Coral St., Huntley. Parade steps off from the municipal complex, 10987 Main St., and travels west on Main Street to the town square. A short ceremony follows. After the ceremony, stop by the Legion Hall, 11712 Coral St., for a free sandwich. huntleylegion.org.

Lake Zurich Memorial Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Monday, May 30, at the Lake Zurich Veterans Monument, 200 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. The event will feature several guest speakers. alpost964il.org.

Roselle Memorial Day Tribute: 11 a.m. Monday, May 30, at the Roselle Veterans Memorial Park, Irving Park Road at Park Street, Roselle. Roselle American Legion Post 1084 hosts the ceremony, followed by a caravan back to the Legion Post for coffee and dessert. Drinks for purchase available at the bar. www.roselle.il.us or alpost1084.com.

Wood Dale Memorial Day Parade: 11 a.m. Monday, May 30. The city of Wood Dale and VFW Tioga Post 2149 host the annual parade, which steps off at Addison Road and Elizabeth Drive and heads north to Veterans’ Memorial Park, 269 Irving Park Road. A memorial service will follow. wooddale.com.

Cantigny Memorial Day program: 11:15 a.m. to noon Monday, May 30, in front of First Division Museum, 1S151 Winfield Road in Wheaton. Hosted by Cantigny American Legion Post 556, featuring vocalist Terri Lightbody and speakers explaining the traditions and customs of Memorial Day, as well as the history of women in the military. Keynote speaker will be Robert “Doc” Adams, co-founder of the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans and Bronze Star with “V” for Valor recipient. Outdoors with limited seating available. Bring chairs or blankets. $5 parking fee for park. cantignypost556.org.

Yorkville Memorial Day Ceremony: 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 30, at Town Square Park, 301 N. Bridge, Yorkville. Features music by the Yorkville Middle School Band and several speakers. yorkville.il.us.

Aurora Memorial Day Parade: Noon Monday, May 30, in downtown Aurora. Steps off at Benton and River streets, heads east to Broadway, north to Downer Place and west to River Street. The reviewing stand will be at 20 E. Downer Place. Grand marshals are Class of 2022 enlistees to the United States Armed Forces. aurora-il.org.