Overview

• Dozens of Chicago-area suburbs hosted morning parades and remembrance ceremonies attended by military personnel, veterans, civic groups, scouts and high school bands.
• Arlington Heights marked its 106th annual observance with a parade of 70 marching units and over 2,000 participants, and for the first time read the names of nine Union soldiers uncovered by local historian Brian Maloney.
• Gold Star wife Katie Stack addressed the Arlington Heights gathering, urging attendees to thank fallen heroes and teach future generations the day’s true meaning.
• Elgin’s program at Bluff City Cemetery saw hundreds pay tribute as Fox Valley Young Marines recited the Gettysburg Address and General John Logan’s General Order No. 11, with speakers also marking the 75th anniversary of the Korean War.
• Cardinal Blase Cupich led outdoor Masses at 21 Archdiocese cemeteries in Cook and Lake counties, underscoring the religious dimension of Memorial Day observance.