Memorial Day Weekend 2024: Ways To Observe Around Lake Forest

LAKE FOREST-LAKE BLUFF, 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 Lake Forest and Lake Bluff:

Lake Forest Memorial Day Observances
11 a.m., Monday
Market Square, Local Cemeteries

A Memorial Day observance is planned at Market Square at 11 a.m., to be followed by honor guard services at Lake Forest Cemetery at 12:30 p.m., Saint Mary’s Cemetery at 1 p.m., and Saint Patrick Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

American Legion McKinlock Post 264 in Lake Forest will host a series of observances on Monday, starting with a 6 a.m. meetup at Market Square to begin placing flags, with volunteers returning to retrieve the flags at 4 p.m. Flags will also be posted at the graves of veterans from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Monday, with a subsequent flag pickup planned for 9 a.m. Tuesday. Those interested in volunteering to assist with flag placement can contact the local American Legion post at 847-234-9870.

Lake Bluff Memorial Day Observance
9 a.m., Monday
Village Green

A Memorial Day observance is planned at the gazebo on the morning of Memorial Day at Lake Bluff Village Green. Village Hall and non-emergency village offices will be closed.

Highwood Memorial Day Ceremony
10:30 - 11 a.m., Monday
Highwood City Hall, 17 Highwood Ave.

The city of Highwood and Highwood American Legion Post No. 501 are hosting a memorial day ceremony at City Hall to recognize and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States.

Fort Sheridan Ceremonies
Fort Sheridan National Cemetery, Vattman Road off Sheridan Roads

A fallen hero Memorial Day wreath planting will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday at the cemetery. A ceremony is also scheduled at Fort Sheridan Cemetery from 1 - 2 p.m. Sunday, according to the Veterans Administration. American Legion McKinlock Post No. 264 of Lake Forest also traditionally conducts a memorial service each Memorial Day at Fort Sheridan Cemetery and places American flags on veterans’ graves.

Highland Park Memorial Day Observance
11 a.m., Monday
Highland Park High School, 433 Vine Ave.

Veteran William Joe Wallace, members of Jewish War Veterans Post No. 29 and Hank Schotanus, a retired Highland Park police officer and former U.S. Marine, will all be honored as local heroes in the city's annual Memorial Day observance. Planned in partnership with American Legion Post No. 145, Jewish War Veterans Post No. 29, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4737, the event will feature a reading from retired Air Force Maj. Laura Joyce-Hubbard, the city's poet laureate, a performance from the HPHS band and a bell ceremony to honor local veterans who have died.

Memorial Day Weekend in Lake Forest, Lake Bluff

Municipal and park district staff announced the following facility closures and schedule changes for Memorial Day Weekend.

Refuse collection: There will be no collection services on Memorial Day. In Lake Bluff, all collections the week of the holiday will be delayed by one day. In Lake Forest, Monday's and Tuesday's collections will be delayed by one day, while Thursday and Friday will remain the same.

Facility Closures: City and village administrative offices will be closed Monday, as will the Lake Forest Recreation Center's office. The Lake Forest Library will be closed Sunday and Monday.

Beaches: The swimming season opens Saturday at Sunrise Beach in Lake Bluff. Season passes are free to residents and available for $15 or less to non-residents. Forest Park Beach in Lake Forest will have lifeguards on duty starting on Memorial Day. Residents must show identification to enter, and non-residents must enter through the south stairs and pay $25. Vehicle stickers are required to park nearby and can be purchased online.

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