In honor of Memorial Day, cities nationwide hosted ceremonies and events to remember fallen service members.

Parades and ceremonies

In Grant Park Monday morning, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle honored veterans and their families in a wreath-laying ceremony.

Meanwhile, a wreath was laid on the city's South Side Monday morning to honor fallen service members. This event was held at St. Leo's Residence for Veterans in Auburn Gresham at 78th Street and Emerald Avenue.

Combat vet and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) spoke at the event, which Ald. David Moore (17th) hosted.

"I want you to tell their stories. I want you to say their names," Duckworth said. "Memorial Day is really a day to honor those who answered the call — not for themselves, not for their families, but for democracy."

Meanwhile, around 3,000 people were expected to participate in the Ridge Run in the Beverly and Morgan Park neighborhoods, was followed by a Memorial Day parade.

The Beverly Area Planning Association organized both.

The Memorial Day parade started at 110th Street and Longwood Drive before heading to Ridge Park.

Aurora's Memorial Day parade stepped off Monday morning at Benton Street and River Road. This year's grand marshal was an 89-year-old army vet who's lived in the city for over 60 years.

The parade also featured military and veteran organizations, marching bands, and drill teams from different schools.

Arlington Heights also held its 106th annual Memorial Day Parade, which stepped off at Sigwalt and Arlington Heights Road and ended at Memorial Park. Afterwards, a ceremony was held to remember the people from Arlington Heights who lost their lives.

Woodstock also held its annual ceremony and a parade. Both were held in the historic downtown square.

Lastly, Rosehill Cemetery hosted a parade and ceremony, in conjunction with multiple groups such as the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Chicago Light Artillery.

The ceremony displayed more than 165 flags of deceased veterans known as the Avenue of Flags. There were also costumed Union soldiers for a cannon salute.

Other Memorial Day events happening across the area

Highland Park High School hosted a remembrance event in partnership with the American Legion, Jewish War Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

It included an honor for a retired Marine Corps veteran. The Highland Park High School band also performed.

In Skokie, people gathered at the Village Green Monday morning. The ceremony included local veterans, scouts, police, and fire honor guards.

Skokie's mayor spoke, and students from Niles North High School performed the national anthem.

In River Forest, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Illinois) shook hands with neighbors as she walked the parade route.

Meanwhile, it was a bit chilly for the beach this Memorial Day, but that didn't stop everyone. One woman, Paris Manning, said she actually likes the cooler weather.

"I work for the city, so I had the day off. Honestly, I came for just vibes," Manning said. "I love the beach. I love this time of year."

Flags flown at half-staff in honor of Memorial Day

Gov. JB Pritzker ordered flags to fly at half-staff in honor of fallen military heroes.

They were lowered across the state from sunrise until noon.