2018 Lake County Memorial Day Celebrations
By: Jack Nelson 05/15/2018
"Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them." - Franklin D. Roosevelt. Memorial Day means so much more than just a day off of work. We are called to celebrate and remember the men and women who have fallen in battle to maintain our freedom in this great county. To commemorate these men and women, Lake County is home to some of the most magnificent parades and ceremonies in the area. Also, home to the country's only naval boot camp, Naval Station Great Lakes, Lake County is a premier location for all things Memorial Day. Aim high and continue on to learn more about 2018 Lake County Memorial Day celebrations.
Monday, May 28; 8:45 a.m. 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. 
Sunday, May 27; 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.
Saturday-Monday, May 26-28 Whether you, your family or friends have served in the military, or if you simply wish to honor the men and women who have, kickoff summer by exploring the thrills and chills of the Gurnee amusement park. Not only can visitors enjoy the park's exceptional coasters, but also Hurricane Harbor opens their doors for the season. Splish and splash in the 17 water rides!
Friday, May 25; 2 p.m. In honor of Memorial Day, join the National Museum of the American Sailor as they pay tribute to those lost during the attack on the USS COLE. Delivering remarks about that day will be Master Chief Pamela Jacobson (USN, Ret.), who was an officer on the USS COLE on the day of the attack.
Ever wonder about the role of animals in the Navy? Visit the museum the Navy museum celebrates our favorite animals in uniform at the exhibit, 'Navy Tails: Animals in the U.S. Navy.' This exhibit highlights the important role animals have played in U.S. Naval history. The exhibit runs through April 2019.
Members of all branches of the military - active and retired - along with their family, friends, and the general public are welcome to a salute to our fine fighting forces! Enjoy a social hours, a colors and routine, music, a tug of war competition and more.
Parades, Ceremonies and other Celebrations
***All events will occur Monday, May 28*** 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.
