Quick Facts for Chicago's Annual Memorial Day Parade 2012

The annual Chicago Memorial Day Parade honors veterans, active duty military personnel, and those who have given their lives in service of their country. It draws more than 10,000 spectators and is considered one of the largest parades of its kind in the country. The city also has a Wreath Laying Ceremony at 11:30 a.m. before the parade at the Eternal Flame on Daley Plaza (Dearborn and Washington Streets). The parade will step off at noon and proceed south on State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street.

In addition to honoring all men and women who gave the sacrifice to defend their country, this year’s parade will be dedicated to soldiers who fought and died in the Iraq War, which started in March 2003 and ended in December 2011.

Suggested Reading: Learn the History of Memorial Day l Memorial Day Entertaining l Memorial Day 2012 in Washington, D.C.

Chicago’s Memorial Day Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony are scheduled for Saturday, May 26, 2012. The Wreath Laying Ceremony will be begin at 11:30 a.m. followed by the parade at noon.

The Wreath Laying Ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Eternal Flame on Daley Plaza (Dearborn and Washington Streets). The parade will begin at 12 p.m. and proceed south on State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street. Consider using public transportation to get to and from the Wreath Laying Ceremony and the Memorial Day Parade.

In addition to honoring all men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country, this year’s parade will be dedicated to soldiers who fought and died in the Iraq War, which started in March 2003 and ended in December 2011. A special recognition of the Illinois Gold Star Families will be included in the ceremony.

The parade will also commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Taps. The parade this year will feature a special tribute to this all too familiar cadence of notes first played by Wilcox during the Civil War.

The Chicago parade is now considered one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the nation. Participants in the parade include area high school Marching Bands, Drum and Bugle Corps, as well as many Veterans’ groups, 6,000 JROTC students, and the military.

Memorial Day has a rich history. It began shortly after the Civil War ended when General John Logan proclaimed that the 30th day of May be designated for the purpose of decorating the graves of soldiers who died. It was first observed on May 30, 1868.