Chicago Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

The City of Chicago will mark Memorial Day on Saturday, May 23, with a wreath-laying ceremony at 11 a.m. in Richard J. Daley Center Plaza and a noon parade along Dearborn Street, according to city and tourism listings. The annual observance honors U.S. service members who died in military service, and city officials said Gold Star families, veterans and active-duty representatives will take part. The ceremony is scheduled for 50 W. Washington St., with the parade stepping off at noon from Lake Street and proceeding south to Van Buren Street. Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a city statement that Chicago would “pause as a city and nation” to honor those who made “the ultimate sacrifice.” ### Where and when does the public ceremony begin? Saturday, May 23, is the date the city set for both parts of the observance, with the wreath-laying ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. at Richard J. Daley Center Plaza. The location is in the Loop at 50 W. Washington St., according to the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and Choose Chicago. (chicago.gov) Noon is the start time for the parade, which follows the ceremony and moves along Dearborn Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street. The city’s event page and the Choose Chicago listing carry the same route information. ### Who is leading this year’s observance? (chicago.gov) Sergeant Major Janet Sandoval of the U.S. Marine Corps is this year’s grand marshal and keynote speaker, the city said. The city described Sandoval as a Chicago native and Lane Tech High School graduate whose military career spans more than 20 years. (choosechicago.com) May 2025 was when Sandoval reported for duty as command senior enlisted leader at Recruiting Station Chicago in the 9th Marine Corps District, according to the city’s release. The city said she has held leadership roles in the United States and abroad. (chicago.gov) Master Sergeant Adam Shaw, U.S. Army retired, is scheduled to emcee the wreath-laying ceremony. The parade itself will be emceed by Karen Hernandez, executive director of Chicago Veterans, and Shaw, according to the city’s event page. ### Who else is expected to take part? (chicago.gov) Gold Star families and representatives of the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Merchant Marines and Coast Guard are expected at the wreath-laying ceremony, the city said. Taps is scheduled to be performed by the 484th Army Band, and U.S. Air Force veteran Morgan Renae Williams is set to sing the national anthem. (chicago.gov) Veterans’ groups, active-duty service members, JROTC cadets, community organizations and marching bands are expected in the parade. The city and Choose Chicago said the procession is intended to honor fallen service members and reflect Chicago’s community participation. (chicago.gov) ### What recognitions are planned during the event? Karen Hernandez is set to receive the Major General John A. Logan Patriot Award as part of the ceremony, according to the city. The city identified Hernandez as executive director of Chicago Veterans and a medical services officer in the U.S. Army. (choosechicago.com) Four Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps students will also be recognized with Cadets of the Year awards, the city said. The event page available in search results did not list the student names in the material reviewed. ### Where can people check the latest route details? (chicago.gov) Choose Chicago and the City of Chicago both list the May 23 schedule and the downtown route online. The city’s parade page places the ceremony at Daley Plaza at 11 a.m. and the parade on Dearborn Street at noon, while Choose Chicago repeats the same start times and route. (chicago.gov) May 23 is the next milestone for the event, with the public observance beginning at Daley Plaza before the parade moves south through the Loop. City and tourism pages are the posted sources for any final timing and route details ahead of Saturday’s ceremony. (choosechicago.com)