City of Chicago Announces 2026 Memorial Day Commemoration and Parade

CHICAGO - The City of Chicago will commemorate Memorial Day on Saturday, May 23, with a wreath laying ceremony at 11 a.m. at Richard J. Daley Center Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., followed by the annual Memorial Day Parade at noon along Dearborn Street. The ceremony will be emceed by Master Sergeant, Adam Shaw, U.S. Army (retired), and will honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.

"On Memorial Day, we pause as a city and nation to honor the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedoms. Their courage and selfness will never be forgotten," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Here in Chicago, we carry forward their legacy by building a safer, stronger, and more united city worthy of their sacrifice. Today and always, we stand in gratitude for those who gave everything in service to our nation."

This year's Grand Marshal and keynote speaker is Sergeant Major Janet Sandoval, United States Marine Corps, a Chicago native and graduate of Lane Tech High School whose decorated military career spans more than 20 years. In May 2025, Sergeant Major Sandoval reported for duty as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Recruiting Station Chicago, 9th Marine Corps District. Throughout her military career, Sergeant Major Sandoval has served in numerous leadership roles across the United States and abroad, earning recognition for her commitment to service, mentorship and operational excellence.

Gold Star families and representatives of the U.S. Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Merchant Marines and Coast Guard will participate in the wreath laying ceremony. Taps will be performed by the 484th Army Band, and the national anthem will be sung by U.S. Air Force Veteran Morgan Renae Williams.

The parade will step off at noon, proceeding along Dearborn Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street. The parade will feature veterans' groups, active-duty service members, JROTC cadets, community organizations and marching bands, all honoring fallen service members and celebrating the strength and diversity of the Chicago community. The Memorial Day Parade will be emceed by Karen Hernandez, Executive Director of Chicago Veterans, and Master Sgt. Adam Shaw, U.S. Army (retired).

As part of the ceremony, the City of Chicago will present the Major General John A. Logan Patriot Award to Major Karen Hernandez, Executive Director of Chicago Veterans and a Medical Services Officer in the U.S. Army. A respected advocate for veterans, women in leadership and minority representation, Hernandez has dedicated her career to empowering veterans through community engagement, mentorship, employment resources and advocacy. Since enlisting in the U.S. Army in 2008 and commissioning as an officer in 2011, she has held key leadership roles supporting humanitarian missions, strategic operations and military medical initiatives both domestically and abroad.

Throughout her military and civic career, Hernandez has demonstrated a deep commitment to service and leadership development. She served as Deputy Commander for the Illinois COVID Task Force Testing mission in 2020 and later deployed as a Field Hospital Commander overseeing medical support operations across Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, where her unit earned the Meritorious Unit Commendation for exceptional service. Beyond her military accomplishments, Hernandez has volunteered extensively with veteran and civic organizations throughout Illinois, served on numerous advisory councils and mentorship initiatives, and remained active in her community through youth coaching and volunteer teaching. Guided by the values of integrity, compassion and selfless service, she continues to advocate for veterans while helping shape the next generation of leaders.

The City of Chicago will also recognize four Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) students with the Cadets of the Year Award:

C/COL Gabino Noriega, Lane Tech High School

C/CTC William Foley, Marine Leadership Academy

C/MAJ Leiana McLendon, Morgan Park High School

C/CPT Miles Gonzalez, Phoenix Military Academy v

The Wreath Laying ceremony will be livestreamed for public viewing at Chicago.gov/live. For more details, please visit Chicago.gov/DCASE.

As Chicago pauses to reflect and pay tribute, residents and visitors are invited to join in honoring the bravery, courage, and legacy of those who gave their lives in defense of freedom.

Parade Grand Marshal and Keynote Speaker

Sergeant Major Janet Sandoval, United States Marine Corps

Sergeant Major Janet Sandoval will serve as the Parade's Grand Marshal and deliver the keynote address at the Wreath Laying Ceremony.

Sergeant Major Janet Sandoval, a native of Chicago, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2003 after graduating from Lane Technical High School. Over the course of more than two decades of service, she has held numerous leadership roles across the Marine Corps, including assignments in supply administration, recruit training, logistics and enlisted leadership. She deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and later to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, earning recognition for her leadership and service throughout her military career.

Sergeant Major Sandoval has served in key leadership positions at installations across the United States and overseas, including Okinawa, Japan, and Marine Corps Base Quantico. Most recently, she served as Senior Enlisted Leader for the Infantry Marine Course and Headquarters and Instructor Company at the School of Infantry-West before being promoted to her current rank in April 2025. In May 2025, she assumed duties as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for Recruiting Station Chicago, 9th Marine Corps District. Her personal awards include multiple Navy and Marine Corps Commendation and Achievement Medals.

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Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago's 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city - to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city's most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city - serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.