Memorial Day

Service and sacrifice runs deep in Grant Park youngster regarding Memorial Day.

Over 100 people gathered for a ceremony dedicated to the late John Kirnbauer, a veteran whose ashes went unclaimed for five years, on Monday, May 26, 2025, at Kankakee Memorial Gardens.

It took just over seven minutes to read the 137 names of veterans that have died during the past year with ties to Kankakee County.

Wreaths were laid at two locations and one was thrown into the Rock River on Monday, May 26, 2025 to honor the sacrifice and service of veterans during the Oregon VFW’s Memorial Day program. The day’s event also include a program at the Riverside Cemetery, patriotic music by the Oregon High School Band followed by a family-themed celebration at the Post home. Events were also held in Polo and Mt. Morris.

Sterling American Legion Post 296 and Rock Falls American Legion Post 902 conducted Memorial Day services Monday, May 26, 2025.

Photographers across northern Illinois captured powerful moments of honor, unity and remembrance this Memorial Day. See how local communities paid tribute

Though the holiday is one that U.S. presidents typically treat with pure solemnity, Trump began it with an all-caps Memorial Day social media post that attacked his predecessor

A Vietnam veteran warns about taking freedom for granted and that those who died in military service "deserve to be remembered forever" at the Crest Hill Memorial Day program.

Veterans were honored during the annual Kankakee County Veterans’ Council annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Kankakee County Courthouse on Monday, May 26, 2025.

Fallen service members were honored on Woodstock Square Monday for the city's Memorial Day observance.

American Legion Post 33 hosted a parade along Main Street followed Memorial Day Ceremony at War Memorial north end Washington Square on Monday, May 26, 2025 in Ottawa.

Dixon’s Memorial Day recognition started with a ceremony along the riverfront Monday, May 26, 2025, to honor those who died at sea.

For many Monday, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, a day off work and a chance to haul out the grill. But it’s not a day of celebration, reminded area veterans and dignitaries at DeKalb’s annual Memorial Day ceremony.

Crowds lined Third Street in Geneva as the Memorial Day parade headed from the train station to Wheeler Park for ceremonies.

DeKalb Memorial Day events were held Monday to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.

The Bradley Legion property along West Broadway Street in Bradley gets a little attention ahead of the Memorial Day holiday.

Veterans of World War II and the Vietnam War spoke in support of Jewish service members at a Joliet synagogue and encouraged people to consider the real meaning behind Memorial Day.

DeKalb County-area veterans groups, cities and organizers will host Memorial Day events throughout the county for the public to come together to honor all who’ve died in service to the country. Memorial Day is May 26.

Find out where you can honor fallen service men and women this Memorial Day weekend in the McHenry County area.

Dixon honored those who made the ultimate sacrifice with Memorial Day observances Monday, May 26, 2025.

The Plainfield American Legion Marne Post 13 Memorial Day Parade stepped off from Ira Jones Middle School and then traveled to Settlers' Park for a ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025.

Across Kankakee County, communities are taking time to honor fallen service members with special Memorial Day events and observations over the holiday weekend.

The following lane closures in Will County will remain in place during the holiday weekend, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Memorial Day is Monday, May 26. Here are some of the events planned to honor United States military personnel who have given their lives in service of their country.

All donations received during the distribution of red poppies is returned to the veterans through the organizations’ service programs.

The Field of the Fallen has been set up in Cary, where it will remain this Memorial Day weekend to honor service members killed in action.

With a number of ceremonies, parades and speakers planned throughout the Sauk Valley on Memorial Day, here is a list of what local communities will be doing to remember the fallen.

Cold weather is preventing Bolingbrook's Pelican Harbor outdoor aquatic park from opening on Saturday.

Thousands of motorcyclists will ride in Rolling Thunder Demonstration Parades throughout the country this Memorial Day weekend.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is reminding drivers to buckle up as part of the upcoming national “Click It or Ticket” campaign.

Oregon and Polo announce services for Monday, May 26

Yorkville’s annual Memorial Day ceremony begins 11:30 a.m. on Monday, May 26 in Town Square Park, 301 N Bridge Street. Last year, hundreds attended the event to commemorate those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and to honor military veterans and their families.

Many World War II artifacts will be on display, including tanks, trucks and cannons.

A retired DeKalb police officer and Army National Guard colonel who also serves on the DeKalb school board will give this year’s Memorial Day keynote address. A downtown ceremony and parade will proceed this year's Ellwood House lawn address in DeKalb.

Magnolia/McNabb American Legion Post 254 will host cemetery services on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26

The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, May 26, at the Grandon Civic Center in Sterling. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ikaika Tautua, serving with the U.S. Army Sustainment Command at the Rock Island Arsenal, will be the guest speaker.

In his column this month, Sterling City Councilman Jim Wise asks Sauk Valley residents to take a few moments on Monday, May 26, to pay tribute to the fallen with somber respect and dignity.

A ceremony was held in downtown Joliet for the 44th Annual Will County Law Enforcement Memorial Day at 14 W. Jefferson St. on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Police officers from various departments and local government and law enforcement officials participated.

A Memorial Day Ceremony to honor the sacrifices of the nation’s fallen heroes is being hosted by the Batavia VFW Post 1197 on May 26.

Huntley will not have a Memorial Day parade this year after officials with the American Legion questioned whether the event had become too celebratory.

The Oswego Police Department issued 54 citations during the recent Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” enforcement period.

Veterans and families of local Lockport Township veterans were asked to contribute or lend memorabilia from their service to the township for the display.

The IDNR and Illinois Conservation Police remind the public to remain safe and sober on the water for Memorial Day weekend.

Oregon held its annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 27, 2024. The day included the placing of wreaths on veteran memorials on the Ogle County Courthouse lawn followed by a ceremony at Riverside Cemetery. The Oregon VFW capped off the day with food and fun at the Post.

Plainfield American Legion Marne Post 13 hosted the parade and observance ceremony.

Yorkville American Legion Auxiliary President Diane Dillow knows all too well the sacrifices that members of the military make.

Crowds lined Third Street for the parade, warmed by community and the long-running tradition of a pancake breakfast al fresco just off the parade route at the United Methodist Church of Geneva.

Monday’s recognition of Memorial Day in Dixon started with a ceremony on the riverfront before parading to Oakwood Cemetery.

Members of the Elburn American Legion Post 630 held their annual Memorial Day observance on Monday, May 27, beginning with a parade from Lions Park to Blackberry Township Cemetery.

Johnsburg observed Memorial Day with a gathering, a ceremony and a parade across the Fox River Monday.