Hundreds of people marched down North Dearborn Street in the Loop Saturday afternoon as Chicago honored Memorial Day, drawing students in ROTC uniforms, veteran support groups, cultural organizations, and active duty service members.
Hundreds of people walked down North Dearborn Street in the Loop on Saturday afternoon, filling the avenue with the steady pace of a Memorial Day parade and the faces of the community showing up for those who served.
The crowd included students with the ROTC. veteran support group members. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Korean and Vietnamese cultural groups. and active duty military members. A drill team from the Chicago Military Academy in Bronzeville marched past alongside students carrying American flags and paradegoers on motorcycles and floats.
In his opening remarks. Mayor Brandon Johnson tied the day’s meaning to both war-time service and what he described as a local responsibility to defend freedoms. “Whether abroad in Vietnam or Afghanistan or here at home rebuilding our nation in the civil war. Illinoisans and Chicagoans throughout history have defended our freedoms and generations of Chicagoans throughout history have supported them in parades and commemoration to express our gratitude. ” Johnson said. He added. “Here at home. we have our own responsibility to fight for freedom and to uphold the values of our democracy. We can serve and uplift our neighbors. strengthen our communities and stand up for one another with the same sense of purpose that defines the men and women of the armed forces.”.
The parade also marked a milestone for the city: it was the 40th anniversary of the 1986 City of Chicago’s Welcome Home Parade, when more than 200,000 veterans and their families were welcomed back.
Along the route. performers and community groups added their own layers to the commemoration—members of Lakeside Pride Marching Band played instruments. a banner reading “Sikhs contribution in World Wars” drew attention. and a rider commemorating the Buffalo Soldiers moved through the crowd on horseback. Others carried signs including “Choose peace,” as paradegoers watched from the sidewalks and families continued down the street together.
For many in attendance, the procession wasn’t just about looking back. It was a public reminder. played out in steps and salutes along the Loop. that honoring service can still feel immediate—especially when students. cultural groups. and active duty members share the same route ahead of Memorial Day.
Chicago Memorial Day Loop parade North Dearborn Street Brandon Johnson ROTC veterans active duty military Welcome Home Parade
Wait it’s 40th anniversary of 1986? So that’s like… old news now right?
I’m glad they did the parade but I swear the mayor always says the same stuff about “fight for freedom” like we aren’t already tired. Also why do they mention Vietnam and civil war together? Kinda weird combo.
ROTC uniforms is nice and all but aren’t ROTC kids basically training to join the army? Like that seems intense for Memorial Day? Idk maybe I’m misunderstanding what “uphold democracy” means.
I saw a horse guy on North Dearborn once and thought it was a wedding parade not Memorial Day lol. This time there’s Buffalo Soldiers rider which is cool, but I just wish the news would focus on actual veterans instead of floats and motorcycles. Also “Choose peace” sign, like ok but peace doesn’t just happen because there’s a band playing.