Memorial Day 2018: What's Happening In Morton Grove, Niles

MORTON GROVE, IL — Memorial Day weekend combines the unofficial kickoff to summer with a chance to honor those veterans of the armed forces, including those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service of the United States. Since the tradition began to commemorate those who died in the Civil War, the federal holiday has evolved into a time for cookouts, parades and weekend getaways.

Here's what's open, closed and going on around Morton Grove and Niles for Memorial Day 2018:

Veterans Ruck March
This annual event raises awareness of the prevalance of post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide among the nation's veterans. The march from Glencoe to Lake Shore Drive on May 25 commemorates and honors those who have been lost at home as well as on the battlefield. (Find out more, or register.)

Memorial Day Parade in Morton Grove
The Morton GroveAmerican Legion Post #134 is holding a parade and celebration starting at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Legion Post, 6144 Dempster St. The parade will head south on Georgiana Avenue to Crain Street, then east on Crain to School Street, south on School to Lincoln Avenue before concluding with a ceremony at the Doughboy statue at 6140 Lincoln Ave. There will be a 21-gun salute, remarks from dignitaries and a presentation of poppies. Around 2:30 p.m. the parade will head back to the American Legion post.

Niles Memorial Day Ceremony
Veterans of Foreign Wars Niles Memorial Post #3579 and the village will hold a ceremony at 11 a.m. to noon on Monday near the waterfall located at the southwest corner of Touhy and Milwaukee avenues.

Government Buildings

• The Morton Grove Public Library will be closed Sunday and Monday.
• The Niles District Library will be closed Monday.
• Non-essential public employees will have the day off.
• Postal service will not be available.

Transportation

• CTA will run on a weekend schedule.
• Metra will begin offering free rides to children through Labor Day.

Business

• Most supermarkets will be open, though some, like Costco, give their employees the day off.
• Many retailers offer special Memorial Day sales and deals for veterans.

Services

• Morton Grove's garbage and recycling pickup will be delayed by one day, Thursday pickups will take place on Friday and Friday pickups will be moved to Saturday.
• Niles refuse schedule will also be delayed by one day. Those east of the Chicago River will get their garbage, recycling and yard waste picked up on Wednesday, while it will be pushed back until Thursday for those on the river's east side.

More:

• Catholic Cemeteries Remember The Brave With Memorial Day Masses
• Chicagoland Guide to Memorial Day Fests, Parades, Ceremonies

Top photo via Village of Niles