Many people consider Memorial Day the unofficial start to summer.
Some look forward to a three-day weekend.
Most of all, Memorial Day is solemn with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration calling the federal holiday the nation’s foremost annual day to mourn and honor its deceased servicepeople.
A parade is set for Park Ridge while ceremonies are planned in Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles and Norridge.
Also, pools in Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Norridge and Park Ridge will open soon.
Lincolnwood
The Lincolnwood Memorial Day ceremony is at 10 a.m. May 25 at the Village Hall Promenade, 6900 N. Lincoln Avenue, between the Lincolnwood Police Department and Village Hall.
Officials issued a call on the village’s website for veterans and their families who are current or former residents to attend and be honored. More information is with event coordinator Julie Glowacki at jglowacki@lwd.org.
“Please note that due to construction on Pratt Avenue, there will be no parade in 2026,” officials said on the website.
Opening weekend at Proesel Park Family Aquatic Center, 7055 N. Kostner Avenue, Lincolnwood, 847-673-6870, recreation@lwd.org, is from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 23 to 24, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Memorial Day.
Morton Grove
The Morton Grove Memorial Day ceremony is at 1:30 p.m. May 24 at Morton Grove American Legion Civic Center, 6140 Dempster Street, next to Harrer Park and Morton Grove Historical Museum.
“We would appreciate any organizations, groups, individuals, and music groups to come and show your support to our veterans,” American Legion Morton Grove Post 134 officials posted on their Facebook page.
More information is at 847-965-9503.
The regular season at Harrer Pool, 6250 Dempster Street, Morton Grove, 847-966-0984, begins May 24 with hours of 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Holiday hours are 3 to 7 pm. May 26 to 29.
Opening day at Oriole Aquatic Center, 9205-9235 Oriole Avenue, Morton Grove, 847-965-0169, is May 30.
The inclement weather pool hotline is 847-965-7558, Opt 2.
Niles
The village of Niles, Niles Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3579, and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 242 present Memorial Day Ceremony: A Tribute to Our Fallen Heroes at 11 a.m. May 25 at Niles Veterans Memorial Waterfall, southwest corner of Touhy and Milwaukee avenues.
“All residents are invited to attend this meaningful tribute as we come together to reflect, remember and honor our nation’s heroes,” officials said on the village’s website.
Free parking will be available at Niles Public Works, 6849 Touhy Avenue, and Walsh Academy, 6935 W. Touhy Ave., Niles.
Limited spaces for accessible parking and those who need assistance will be available at the waterfall, but one must arrive before 10:30 a.m. Assistance information is at 847-588-6500.
Oasis Waterpark & Fun Center, 7877 Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, 847-967-6648, opens from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 23 to begin the preseason from May 23 to 25 and May 30 to 31. Memorial Day hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Norridge
The Norridge Memorial Day observance ceremony is at noon, May 24, in front of the Veterans Memorial, 4010 N. Olcott Avenue. The musical interlude begins at 11:30 a.m.
The program includes the Norridge Police Department Honor Guard, a guest speaker, Brig. Gen. Michael Shanley, a 21-gun salute by Marine Air Carrier Group 48, and musical arrangements of the U.S. Armed Services played by the 484th Army Band.
The season at the Norridge Park District pool, 4631 N. Overhill Avenue, 708-457-1244, begins May 23. Hours are 1 to 8 p.m. May 23 to 24, noon to 5 p.m. Memorial Day, and closed from May 26 to 29.
Park Ridge
American Legion Post 247 hosts the Park Ridge Memorial Day parade, which steps off at 10 a.m. May 25 from South Park, 833 W. Talcott Road.
Don Hurst, a Park Ridge resident for nearly 70 years, will be the grand marshal. According to the city of Park Ridge’s website, the World War II veteran, who enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1944 and left the Air Force in 1957, earned the Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
“The Memorial Day parade brings together over 2,000 participants from local businesses, causes and organizations, and this year you’re invited to be a part of this cherished community event,” officials said on the website.
Park Ridge Park District’s Centennial Aquatic Center, 100 S. Western Avenue, 847-692-5044; South Park Wading Pool, 833 W. Talcott Road, 847-692-3439; and Prospect Park Splash Pad, 733 N. Prospect Avenue, 847-232-8737, open May 23. Memorial Day hours are noon to 5 p.m. at Centennial and South Park and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Prospect Park.
Hinkley Pool, 25 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, 847-692-6602, opens June 6.
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
