Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade

The City of Chicago will give special recognition to our fallen heroes and their survivors at the annual Wreath Laying Ceremony and Memorial Day Parade. Gold Star family members are identified by the Gold Star Lapel Pin and the Next of Kin Lapel Pin that are presented to families who have lost a loved one in the United States Armed Forces to combat operations or while on active duty. Approved by Congress beginning in 1947, the Gold Star Pins are not an award, but symbols of honor worn by family members in remembrance of their fallen loved ones and the ultimate sacrifice they made.

The Chicago parade is considered one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the nation. Since 1870, Memorial Day parades have graced the streets of Chicago.