Chicago Memorial Day Parade – Saturday 24

Wreath Laying Ceremony begins @ 11 am; Parade begins @ 12 Noon

Memorial Day is separate & distinct from Veterans Day although often confused. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs explains, “Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, this is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military, in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service.”

On Memorial Day, the President or someone he designates lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The first military burials took place there 150 years ago, in May 1864.

http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/memorial_day_parade.html