Participants march down State Street during the Chicago Memorial Day Parade
When I was growing up, Memorial Day meant that most Chicago neighborhoods boasted huge American flags proudly waving from every porch. I remember my grandmother visiting the cemetary to put tiny flags on the graves of my grandfather and great uncles and most people I knew followed the same traditions. Those customs aren’t so common today but one Memorial Day activity that remains is the annual Memorial Day Parade in downtown Chicago.
Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and remembered only those who died fighting in the Civil War. Now it commemorates anybody who died fighting in any war and features former soldiers representing many generations. The Chicago Memorial Day Parade is one of the largest in the nation and has been celebrated in Windy City streets since 1870. The parade features recognition of the Illinois Gold Star families as well as people who died during the attack on the Pentagon. Participants include High School marching bands, Drum and Bugle Corps, Veteran’s groups, JROTC and the military. The parade kicks off at noon on May 29 at State Street from Lake to Van Buren. Finish your outing with another Chicago tradition, lunch at the Walnut Room. Originally the elegant anchor restaurant at the landmark Marshall Field’s department store, Macy’s continues the traditions of the famous dining hall. Tucked into the 7th floor and lined with old school dark paneling and white tablecloths, the menu feature’s classics like chicken pot pie and duck confit.
Photo courtesy of Flickr by the U.S. Army