Download Photos 

City of Chicago to Honor Fallen Heroes With 2025 Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony & Parade

CHICAGO—The City of Chicago will commemorate Memorial Day on Saturday, May 24, with a wreath laying ceremony at 11 a.m. at Richard J. Daley Center Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., followed by the annual Memorial Day Parade at noon along State Street. The ceremony will be emceed by Master Sgt. Adam Shaw, U.S. Army (retired), and will include remarks from Mayor Brandon Johnson.

“On this solemn day of remembrance, we gather not only to honor the names etched in stone, but to uplift the legacy of courage, sacrifice and service that lives on in the heart of our city,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “The freedoms we enjoy today were secured by those who gave everything — including their life. We will never forget their sacrifice, and we will continue to build a city worthy of their memory.”

Gold Star families and representatives of the U.S. Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard will participate in the wreath laying ceremony. Taps will be performed by the 484th Army Band. The national anthem will be sung by Maj. Deanna “De” Love, U.S. Army (retired), and the ceremony will conclude with a performance of “God Bless America” by Jorie Phillips of Lyons Township High School.

This year’s Major General John A. Logan Patriot Award will honor James Terry Blue, Sr., United States Marine Corps Veteran; and the City of Chicago will acknowledge two Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) students with the Cadets of the Year Award: C/LTC Ximena Torres, Farragut Career Academy IB World School and C/Capt Andy Jara of Marine Leadership Academy.

The keynote address will be delivered by Major General William J. Walker, U.S. Army (retired), a Chicago native whose decorated military and public service career spans more than 30 years. Walker, who made history as the 38th sergeant at arms of the U.S. House of Representatives and the first African American to hold the role, will also serve as grand marshal of the parade.

The parade will step off at noon, proceeding along State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street. It will feature veterans’ groups, active-duty service members, JROTC cadets, community organizations and marching bands, all honoring fallen service members and celebrating the strength and diversity of the Chicago community. The Memorial Day Parade will be emceed by Audrina Sinclair of CBS Chicago and Karen Hernandez who serves as the Executive Director of Chicago Veterans.

Sinclair is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been on the front lines of major breaking news stories in and around Chicago. She proudly serves the city through her work with organizations such as the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago and the Salt & Light Coalition. Hernandez enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2008 and currently serves as a Medical Operations Officer for the 108th Medical Battalion. She holds a degree in Political Science and Criminal Social Justice from Lewis University. As a dedicated professional and mother, Hernandez draws daily inspiration from her young son to continue excelling in her service and leadership roles.

The Wreath Laying ceremony will be livestreamed for public viewing at Chicago.gov/live. For more details, please visit Chicago.gov/DCASE.

As Chicago pauses to reflect and pay tribute, residents and visitors are invited to join in honoring the bravery, courage, and legacy of those who gave their lives in defense of freedom.

Parade Grand Marshal and Keynote Speaker

The Honorable William J. Walker 

The Honorable William J. Walker will serve as the Parade’s Grand Marshal and deliver the keynote address at the Wreath Laying Ceremony.

Major General William J. Walker, United States Army (Ret.)

Walker is a native of Chicago, where he was born and raised General Walker is a distinguished military leader and public servant. He attended St. Sabina and graduated from Leo Catholic High School, later earning a B.A. from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an M.S. in Criminal Justice from Chicago State University. As the 23rd Commanding General of the D.C. National Guard, he led critical missions, including the response to the January 6 Capitol attack and the 59th Presidential inauguration. He also oversaw National Guard support during the 2020 civil unrest and served as Chairman of the National Guard Bureau’s DEI program. A veteran of Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom, General Walker served in Afghanistan with the U.S. Embassy and ISAF.

He is widely recognized for his commitment to leadership, crisis response, and public service. Throughout his career, he has championed diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in the military. General Walker continues to advocate for effective civil-military partnerships and national resilience.

###

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city — to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.