Join us on Memorial Day at the Soldiers’ Home as we honor the men and women who served in our military.
A wreath laying ceremony will take place at the U.S. Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home (USSAH) National Cemetery to remember our fallen soldiers. Sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln will join us to participate in the ceremony. Then, enjoy the rare opportunity to take a guided tour of the USSAH National Cemetery (predecessor of Arlington National Cemetery). Additionally, visitors can go the Signature Cottage Tour, offered on the hour from 10 am til 3 pm.
Pack a picnic lunch so you can enjoy the beautiful grounds and cool breezes on this historic hilltop after your tours! Picnic tables and ample lawn space are open to the public.
In the afternoon, our partners at the National Park Service and the Illinois State Society are presenting a program further downtown at Logan Circle, to commemorate the contributions of John A. Logan, a Civil War general and a leader in the movement to make Memorial Day a national holiday. A brass quintet from the U.S. Marine Band will present a concert at Logan Circle prior to the ceremony.
Wreath laying ceremony, cemetery tours, access to picnic grounds, and Logan Circle ceremony are all FREE and open to the public. Reservations are requested: click here to register.
Cottage Tours: On the hour. First tour begins at 10:00 am, last tour begins at 3:00 pm. Regular ticket costs apply. Advanced ticket purchase strongly recommended – visit the TICKETS page to purchase.
Wreath Laying at the Cemetery: 10:00 am. FREE. Meet at bandstand adjacent to Cottage at 9:30 am.
Cemetery Tours: 10:45 am and 12:30 pm. FREE. Meet at bandstand adjacent to Cottage at 10:15 am and 12:00 pm
U.S. Marine Band Brass Quintet at Logan Circle: 1:45 pm. FREE
Ceremony at Logan Circle: 2:00 pm. FREE
****If you would like to take a tour of the Cottage, we strongly recommend purchasing Cottage Tour Tickets in advance. Click here to purchase.
These programs are presented in partnership with the Armed Forces Retirement Home, the Illinois State Society, and the National Park Service.
Categories:Archive, Public Programs
