2017 Lake County Memorial Day Celebrations
By: Jonathan Jones 05/22/2017
Lake County Memorial Day celebrations are our specialty. Duty, Army, country! Non sibi sed patriae. Aim high…Fly-Fight-Win. Semper Fidelis. Semper Paratus.
Memorial Day is the time of year that we celebrate and remember the men and woman of this great country who have fallen in battle to maintain our freedom. To those of our readers that have been in the military; we thank you for your service.
The original Memorial Day in the U.S. was called Decoration Day first becoming a day of observance after the Civil War in 1868. The day's inception was planned by the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of the Union veterans founded in Decatur, IL (Who'da thunk this day of observance was created in our state?).
Today, Lake County also is home to one of the country's oldest naval bases and is the United States' only naval boot camp: Naval Station Great Lakes.
Here is your guide to Lake County Memorial Day Celebrations.
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Sweetheart Mine: WWI Love Letters Exhibit at Waukegan History Museum[/caption]
Saturday, May 27 (until November 11); 1-4 p.m.
This exhibit tells the story of two couples before, during and after World War I using personal letters from the archives of the Waukegan Historical Society. Homer Dahringer and Ruth Besley start their courtship while attending Waukegan High School. Homer joined the Army flying squadron in World War I.
Saturday, May 27; 1 -3 p.m.
This free admission class at the National Museum of the American Sailor teaches students how to identify each circuit component on their radio and find out how their placement causes the radio to work. These types of radios were first used during World War I. Attendees will assemble their radio and put it into use.
Sunday, May 28; 2 p.m.
The winner of six North American Band Association Awards, the Illinois Brass Band graces the stage at Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center. This free admission concert will be on the RLCCC outdoor stage. Of course, you'll hear some fantastic U.S. traditional tunes.
Monday, May 29; 7:45 a.m.-Noon
The Essence Of Freedom Run is an annual event to raise funds that are needed for the brave men and women, both active duty and Veterans, who defend our country in the armed forces. Choose from a 5K or 10K race and run through the streets of downtown Deerfield. Active duty military officers, police officers and firefighters run free of admission.
Saturday, May 27-29
Whether you, your family or friends have served in the military, or if you simply wish to honor the men and women who have, let’s kick off summer together by having a marvelous experience on this classic American holiday. Let's not forget that the unofficial kickoff means Hurricane Harbor opens for the season, and the brand new coaster, THE JOKER will be opening. Both Hurricane Harbor and THE JOKER will open on May 27. Enjoy a relaxing and thrilling weekend at the Gurnee amusement park.
Parades, Ceremonies and other Celebrations
***All events will occur Monday, May 29***
Grayslake's Memorial Day Parade Downtown Grayslake; 9:30 a.m. Route: Lake St to Junior Avenue to Memorial Park
Libertyville Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony Cook Park and Lakeside Cemetary; 9:30 a.m. Route: Commuter Train Station to Cook Park
Lake Zurich's Memorial Day Parade Lake Zurich's American Legion & Downtown; 10 a.m. Route: 51 Lions Dr. to Veterans Monument at 200 Mohawk Trl./brief service to follow
Mundelein Memorial Day Parade Mundelein Metra Station; 10 a.m. Route: New Village Hall -west on Hawley St to Greenview Avenue – Memorial Park
Waukegan's Memorial Day Parade Downtown Waukegan; 10:30 a.m.Route: South from Genesee Street & Grand Avenue -west on Clayton Street south on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, west on Washington Street ending at Veterans Memorial Plaza at West and Washington Streets
Village of Lincolnshire's Annual Memorial Day Ceremony Spring Lake Park; 10 a.m.
Memorial Day Ceremony in Gurnee Gurnee Veterans Memorial Park; noon Rain Location: American Legion Post
Other Lake County Events
Continue here to learn more about Lake County Memorial Day Celebrations.
