Memorial Day Weekend 2024: Ways To Observe Around Skokie

SKOKIE, 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 Skokie:

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.

Lincolnwood Memorial Day Parade
10:20 a.m., Monday
Pratt and Cicero Avenue

The village's annual Memorial Day parade heads east on Pratt Avenue, then north onto Keeler and west onto Morse Avenue to Proesel Park, 6915 Kostner Ave. A ceremony is planned at Madeline's Garden's in the park following the parade. Pratt Avenue will be closed to parking.

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.

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.

Skokie Facility Closures

Local municipal officials staff announced the following facility closures and schedule changes for Memorial Day Weekend.

Village Hall: Skokie Village Hall will be closed to the public Monday

Refuse collection: Monday collections move to Tuesday, Tuesday collections move to Wednesday, Thursday and Friday collections occur as normal and yard waste collection moves to Saturday, June 1.

Park district facilities: The Devonshire Aquatic Center opens Saturday at noon. The Exploratorium will be open with special Memorial Day hours Monday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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