Memorial Day 2025: Chicago-area weekend events honor fallen veterans with Wheaton wreath laying, Rolling Thunder motorcycle parade
Share this @internewscast.com

WHEATON, Ill. (WLS) — Events were held across the Chicago area on Sunday ahead of Memorial Day on Monday.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

There was a solemn tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes as people gathered in Wheaton Sunday afternoon for an annual wreath laying ceremony.

Gold Star family members were in attendance, with some of them carrying roses, as well as representatives from several branches of the military.

“You need to remember those who sacrificed their lives,” stated Vietnam War veteran Jeffrey Monahan. “We were all just young. I was only 19 when I went. Memorial Day is particularly for honoring those who didn’t make it back.”

It’s a holiday weekend that brings out many different emotions for veterans like Monahan.

“You reflect on all the experiences, both good and bad,” Monahan added. “Fortunately for me, I had more positive experiences than negative, but you remember it all.”

Ceremonies like the one in Wheaton carry significance not only for the veterans, but for those who had loved ones serving in their families.

“Grateful. We’re grateful for what they’ve been able to provide and sacrifice,” Wheaton resident Chuck Massaro said.

While many people spend the holiday weekend with family and friends, event organizers emphasize the importance of remembering how Americans achieved their freedom.

“Freedom is not free and you have to conform to certain kinds of things to continue freedom,” Wheaton resident George Kouba said. “If you don’t, you don’t have freedom.”

The wreath will remain up in Wheaton through Monday’s holiday. Organizers hope more people will continue to come see the beautiful memorial here in DuPage County to continue honoring the fallen heroes.

Also on Sunday, a parade of Chicago-area motorcyclists held their annual Memorial Day ride to honor the fallen.

Members of the Rolling Thunder Illinois Chapters One and Two led the group, which took off from North Chicago Sunday morning.

They rode 54 miles. The event also served as a fundraiser for veterans’ causes, including public education about prisoners of war and those who remain missing in action.

Meanwhile, Chicago’s roads and airports have been bustling with travelers this holiday weekend.

Monday is expected to be another very busy day as people head back home.

Midway Airport is expecting to see its highest volume of travelers for the holiday weekend on Monday.

O’Hare and Midway expect to see more than 1.86 million travelers this weekend.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Live Aid 40th anniversary: Judas Priest, Rick Springfield, John Oates and Bob Geldof reflect on concerts from Philadelphia, London

Celebrating 40 Years of Live Aid: Judas Priest, Rick Springfield, John Oates, and Bob Geldof Share Their Memories of the Philadelphia and London Concerts

NEW YORK — Forty years ago, the iconic Live Aid concerts set…
Top Ukrainian spy gunned down in Kyiv ambush attack: report

Senior Ukrainian Intelligence Officer Shot in Surprise Kyiv Assault: Report

A top Ukrainian spy was gunned down in Kyiv in broad daylight…
Trump announces new tariffs on Mexico, EU to begin Aug. 1

Trump Reveals Upcoming Tariffs on Mexico and the EU Starting August 1

Trump announced the tariffs on two of the United States’ biggest trade…
Claim $150 bonus or $1K first bet safety net for Wimbledon final between Swiatek and Anisimova

Grab a $150 Bonus or Secure a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net for the Wimbledon Final: Swiatek vs. Anisimova

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Carabinieri at a car accident scene.

Heartbreaking Image Surfaces After Airline CEO’s Wife Allegedly Hits Babysitter, 24; Lawyer Denies Her Fleeing the Scene

Heartbreaking images have surfaced from the devastating crash involving a CEO’s wife,…
Unhealthy smoke from Canadian wildfires blankets the Upper Midwest when people want to be outside

Canadian Wildfire Smoke Covers Upper Midwest, Dampening Outdoor Plans

Much of the Upper Midwest faced extensive areas of poor air quality…
People boarding a small airplane.

How Carolina Wilga Survived 13 Days in the Cold Australian Outback After Going Missing

AFTER spending 11 freezing nights out in the wild, it was a…
17-year-old British teen dies after beach sand tunnel collapses during family vacation: report

Tragic Accident: 17-Year-Old British Teen Dies in Beach Sand Tunnel Collapse During Family Vacation

A day at the beach turned tragic when a 17-year-old boy was…
US sanctions Cuban President Díaz-Canel and other officials for human rights violations

U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Cuban President Díaz-Canel and Officials Over Human Rights Abuses

On Friday, the United States government declared that it was placing sanctions…
Mountain lion possibly sighted in this New York city

Possible Mountain Lion Sighting Reported in New York City

A big roar rattled residents in Rochester and hit a bit too…
Low-quality security camera footage of a mugging.

Elderly British Tourist Mugged and Pushed to the Ground During Majorca Vacation

THIS is the shocking moment an elderly Brit is mugged and violently…
Jennifer Aniston gets back massage from Jim Curtis on yacht

Jennifer Aniston Enjoys a Relaxing Yacht Massage from Jim Curtis

That escalated quickly. Jennifer Aniston was recently seen receiving a massage and…