Chicago's Memorial Day Parade honors all men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. A wreath laying ceremony will take place at 11am at the Eternal Flame on Daley Plaza (Dearborn and Washington Streets), followed by a parade which step offs at noon and proceeds south on State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street. The Chicago Memorial Day parade is considered one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the nation. Since 1870, Memorial Day parades have graced the streets of Chicago. May 25, 11:00am wreath laying, noon parade. FREE.