1974 was the year that Illinois observed Memorial Day twice. The Federal government had recently changed the date of Memorial Day observance from the traditional date of May 30th to the last Monday in May in order to give workers a three day holiday. The Illinois legislature disagreed with this change and voted to continue to observe Memorial Day on May 30th, which happened to be a Thursday that year. Federal offices, banks, and most businesses closed on Monday, May 27th. State offices and public schools were closed on May 30th. By the following year Illinois had agreed to recognize the federal holiday date.
The Memorial Day parade in downtown Chicago in 1974 was held on May 30. These photos were taken near the parade staging area at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and East Wacker Place.
