Unique Memorial Day Weekend Due To Gathering Limits

GLENVIEW, IL — It promises to be a Memorial Day weekend like no other with the State of Illinois still under Gov. J.B. Pritzker's stay-at-home order due to the coronavirus pandemic. Traditionally, large gatherings at public events like parades and fireworks shows are a big part of the holiday. That will not be the case this year as all are cancelled, but municipalities like Glenview will be proactive in making sure people follow the rules and stay safe.

" We will continue doing what we have been doing since the original executive order," Cathy Sostak, Glenview deputy chief of police, told Patch. "If we get complaints, we will respond and if there are any violations we will remind them of the order and ask for compliance."

With the state expected to move into Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan on May 29, some rules with regard to people congregating will be eased. Gatherings of up to 10 people will be allowed with social distancing practices still encouraged.

"Remember, in the phase that we're in now, in phase two, we don't have just anybody meeting in groups of 10 or less, right? It's meant for essential workers or in other circumstances that are required," Pritzker said Thursday. "But in the next phase really any group of 10 people can do it but again, it's the idea here is to make sure that we have — you know, safety is the uppermost concept in people's minds when they're getting together wear a face covering, keep social distance from one another, you know, and outside is always the best circumstance."

Last month, American Legion Post 166 officials canceled Memorial Day observances, including the annual parade and ceremony at the Veterans War Memorial on Glenview Road, due to the coronavirus. The Village of Glenview will be airing ceremonies from past years on Glenview Television (GVTV) on Memorial Day.

Officials are hoping residents stay safe this weekend and follow the mandates in place.

"We would just remind the public that they still need to maintain social distancing, wear a mask, and please be patient and polite with each other during this time," Sostak said.