Northbrook 2019 Memorial Day Events: Parade, Ceremony, Closures

NORTHBROOK, IL — Memorial Day is an opportunity to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the nation. Now a three-day weekend considered the unofficial kickoff of summer, the holiday began in the wake of the Civil War to honor soldiers who died serving the armed forces of the United States of America.

Originally called Decoration Day, the springtime commemoration for Union veterans was marked by visits to the graves of some of the hundreds of thousands of men who died. In the 150 years since, what is now a federal holiday is often marked by cookouts, parades and weekend getaways.

This year in Northbrook, the Memorial Day parade begins at 10:30 a.m. on Monday on the corner of Cherry Lane and Western Avenue. It heads east to Church Street and Shermer Road at Village Green Park. American Legion Post 791 will host a ceremony at 11:15 a.m. at Village Green.

"I invite you and your family, friends, and neighbors to join me in honoring our local veterans and attending the parade and brief ceremony," Village President Sandy Frum said this month in the village newsletter. "I also encourage all Northbrook residents to fly your American Flag throughout the Memorial Day weekend."

Those wishing to volunteer in the dedication and laying flags on the graves of veterans at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Sacred Heart Cemetery on Old Lee Road north of Dundee Road were encouraged to contact Post Commander Craig Ardagh at 847-821-7893.

Here's a look at what's open and what's closed in Northbrook for Memorial Day 2019:

• Village, county, state and federal offices: Closed.
• Refuse collection: No Monday pickup and trash collection will be a day later than usual for the week.
• Banks: Most are closed, with limited hours at some supermarket branches.
• Post offices: Closed. No regular U.S.P.S. mail delivery.
• Northbrook Public Library: Closed.
• Northbrook Park District: Meadowhill Aquatic Center opens Saturday, May 25, with open swims from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Monday, May 27. Status updates are available online.
• Restaurants: Most national chain restaurants are open and many will offer free or discounted menu items to active, reserve or retired military personnel.
• Whole Foods: Open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Trader Joe's: Open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sunset Foods: Open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Jewel-Osco: Open from 6 a.m. to midnight.
• Costco: Closed.

Meanwhile in Chicago, a Memorial Day parade is being held on Saturday, May 25 with a wreath-laying ceremony at 11 a.m. at Daley Plaza before heading south down State Street to Van Buren Street. Bike the Drive is scheduled to take place Sunday. From 5:30 a.m. to about 10:30 a.m., all or parts of the 30-mile road will be closed to motorists for use by cyclists. Memorial Day weekend also marks the unofficial beginning of the summer festival season, with the Chicago House Music Festival, the Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest, Mole De Mayo in Pilsen and the Randolph Street Market all set for the weekend.