Memorial Day Weekend 2024: Ways To Observe Around Evanston

EVANSTON, IL — As the Chicago area prepares to embark on the unofficial start of summer, north suburban communities have announced ceremonies and closures planned to coincide with Memorial Day.

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May, honoring those who have died in military service to the United States.

The tradition began after the Civil War, when communities started holding tributes to fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers in springtime.

Over the years, the holiday has evolved to include parades, ceremonies and moments of reflection to honor American military personnel for their service.

Here are some observances in and around Evanston:

Evanston Memorial Day Ceremony
10 a.m. - noon, Monday
Fountain Square, Davis Street at Sherman and Orrington Avenues, Evanston

Hosted by the Evanston American Legion Post 42, the ceremony is set to include non-denominational reflections, singing and speeches from leaders of local veterans group and Tech. Sgt. William Snell of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7186..

Skokie Memorial Day Observance
11 a.m., Monday, May 27, 2024
Village Green, 5155 Oakton St., Skokie

Coordinated by the Skokie Fire Department, the observance is due to feature participation from local veterans' posts, Scouts and the honor guards of the Skokie Fire and Police departments. The ceremony will also include a performance of "The Star Spangled Banner" and "Taps," a rifle salute and remarks from Mayor George Van Dusen.

Wilmette Memorial Day Parade
10:30 a.m., Monday
Parade route from St. Joseph School to Village Hall, Wilmette

The village's annual Memorial Day parade is scheduled to head east on Lake Avenue to Park Avenue, south on Park to Wilmette Avenue and then east on Wilmette Avenue to Village Hall. A memorial ceremony will follow at Village Hall. Temporary road closures are planned along the parade route from 10:20 a.m. until about 11:30 a.m.

Evanston Facility Closures

Evanston city staff announced the following facility closures and schedule changes for Memorial Day Weekend.

Refuse collection: There will be no collection services on Memorial Day. All waste services will be postponed by one day.

Parking: Meters, pay boxes and downtown garages will be free on Memorial Day.

Street Cleaning: No street cleaning will occur on Monday.

Closures: The Morton Civic Center, Chandler-Newberger Center, Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center will be closed Saturday, Sunday and Money. All Evanston Public Library locations, Robert Crown Community Center, Noyes Cultural Arts Center, Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, Levy Senior Center will be closed on Monday.

Beaches: All Evanston beaches will open for the season starting Saturday. Beaches are be free for Evanston residents with a season beach pass or daily ticket. Fees apply for non residents.

Read more: 2024 Chicago Area Summer Beach Guide to Lake Michigan’s Best Beaches