2020 Memorial Day Celebrations

Every year, on the last Monday of May, Americans observe Memorial Day, a federal holiday that honors and mourns military personnel who have perished while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Typically, Memorial Day is marked with parades, ceremonies, visits to memorials or cemeteries and other patriotic activities. This year, however, many Chicago Southland communities will be celebrating virtual events.

The Village of Tinley Park and the Tinley Park Veterans Commission will host a virtual Memorial Day ceremony at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 25. The ceremony will include the posting of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest speakers, a Battlefield Cross ceremony, a wreath presentation in memory of fallen soldiers, a flag ceremony and the announcement of new paver bricks added to the Veterans Walkway. This ceremony will take place at the General Patrick E. Rea Veterans Plaza. The ceremony will be streamed live on the Tinley Park Facebook page so that residents can participate while practicing safe social distancing. Additionally, the ceremony will be posted in its entirety on Tinley Park’s YouTube channel as well as on Tinley Park Television.

In Orland Park, a virtual ceremony will be held in remembrance of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country. Eight veterans were recently added to the granite memorial wall and will be read aloud by Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau. The itinerary also includes the raising of the American flag, a blessing, wreath laying and, to close the ceremony, a bugle performance of “Taps.” The public can watch the live broadcast on Monday, May 25 at 11:00 AM on Orland Park’s YouTube channel. Additionally, a recording of the ceremony will be posted on the village’s social media pages and cable access channel after the live broadcast.

Palos Park will be hosting a virtual Memorial Day event. The event will be filmed on Thursday, May 21. It will be posted on both Palos Park’s website and Facebook page on the afternoon of Friday, May 22.

The Village of Frankfort will share a pre-recorded virtual Memorial Day event. The village, VFW Post 1493, Will County Chief Deputy States Attorney Ken Grey and Hickory Creek Middle School came together to virtually honor American service men and women. This virtual event features music, a wreath laying, blessings, a rifle salute and several speakers, including Frankfort Mayor Jim Holland. To watch the ceremony on Memorial Day, please click here. The ceremony will also air on FCTV Channel 6 throughout the day.

Oak Forest will also share a pre-recorded Memorial Day event. This event will be available for replay on Memorial Day and can be watched here.

If you’d prefer to visit some of the Chicago Southland memorials in person, there are several memorials to choose from. You can travel to all 14 Chicago Southland communities that have memorials, from Lansing to Blue Island. Click here to see a list of the war memorials throughout the Chicago Southland. Please remember to practice social distancing while visiting.

If you’re looking for a bit of a non-traditional way to celebrate Memorial Day, look no further than the Patriotic Pet Photo Contest, hosted by the Tinley Park Park District. Dress your furry friends up in their finest patriotic gear and have a fun photoshoot. Choose your best photo and upload it to the event’s Facebook page or email a JPG copy to [email protected] by May 22. The park district will choose their top three pets and Facebook fans will determine the winner. The most patriotic pet will be announced on May 26 and be awarded a pet-friendly basket.

Enjoy a movie marathon at home all Memorial Day weekend with Marcus Theatres! Marcus locations in Country Club Hills and Orland Park are now offering curbside pick-up for your favorite movie snacks, especially popcorn. Other concessions like candy and ICEEs are also available. Guests can place their orders online here, via the Marcus Theatres app or via phone. Please note that all orders must be paid for ahead of time and cash transactions will not be accepted.

The Park Forest American Legion is partnering with the Village of Park Forest to provide a Memorial Day drive-through BBQ. Located in the village hall parking lot at 350 Victory Drive, guests can purchase pulled pork or pork chop sandwiches for $10 from the comfort of their vehicles. Each sandwich comes with a choice of two sides: spicy spaghetti, baked beans or coleslaw. The drive-through will be open from 11:30 AM-2:00 PM or while supplies last. Diners can receive $2 off their meal if they make a non-perishable food donation, benefitting local food pantries. 

Chuck’s Southern Comforts Cafe in Burbank will be offering a Memorial Weekend Ribs Special, beginning on Friday, May 22. The special is enough to feed 4-5 people and includes tasty menu items such as macaroni and cheese, coleslaw and, of course, ribs. Choose between either regular BBQ or jerk style ribs or mix it up and include one of each. BBQ or jerk sauce will be served on the side. This special is $59.95 and will be available until Sunday, May 24. Hot and cold options are available! Advanced orders are required and must be ordered by May 23 at the latest. Call the Burbank location at 708-229-8700 to place your order.

Many other Chicago Southland restaurants will be open for curbside pick-up or delivery on Memorial Day. To view a list of area eateries that are currently open, please click here.

Please have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend! 

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