Chicago City Wire

The City of Chicago is set to honor fallen heroes with a Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony and parade on Saturday, May 24. The events will commence at 11 a.m. at Richard J. Daley Center Plaza, followed by the annual parade at noon along State Street.

Master Sgt. Adam Shaw, U.S. Army (retired), will emcee the ceremony, which will feature remarks from Mayor Brandon Johnson. “On this solemn day of remembrance, we gather not only to honor the names etched in stone but to uplift the legacy of courage, sacrifice and service that lives on in the heart of our city,” said Mayor Johnson.

Gold Star families and representatives from various branches of the military will participate in the ceremony. The 484th Army Band will perform Taps, and Maj. Deanna “De” Love, U.S. Army (retired), will sing the national anthem. Jorie Phillips from Lyons Township High School will conclude with "God Bless America."

This year’s Major General John A. Logan Patriot Award will be presented to James Terry Blue, Sr., a United States Marine Corps Veteran. Two Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps students, C/LTC Ximena Torres and C/Capt Andy Jara, will receive the Cadets of the Year Award.

Major General William J. Walker, U.S. Army (retired), a Chicago native with over 30 years of military and public service experience, will deliver the keynote address and serve as grand marshal for the parade.

The parade route extends from Lake Street to Van Buren Street on State Street and includes veterans' groups, active-duty service members, JROTC cadets, community organizations, and marching bands.

Audrina Sinclair of CBS Chicago and Karen Hernandez of Chicago Veterans will emcee the parade. Sinclair is known for her work with local organizations such as YWCA Metropolitan Chicago and Salt & Light Coalition. Hernandez serves as a Medical Operations Officer for the 108th Medical Battalion.

The wreath-laying ceremony can be viewed online at Chicago.gov/live for those unable to attend in person.

As part of honoring those who sacrificed their lives for freedom, residents and visitors are encouraged to join in commemorating their bravery and legacy.