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Chicago honors service, sacrifice of US military members with annual Veterans Day ceremony

By Maggie Duly
Published  November 11, 2024 8:34am CST
Holidays
FOX 32 Chicago

The Brief

    • The City of Chicago hosted its annual Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony at Soldier Field on Monday to honor U.S. military veterans.
    • The Honorable William J. Walker, a former U.S. Army general, was the keynote speaker. Additionally, Chicago was officially recognized as a Purple Heart City.
    • The ceremony featured musical performances, a ceremonial wreath-laying, and personal stories of service. It is open to the public and free to attend.

CHICAGO - The City of Chicago hosted its annual Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony at Soldier Field to honor the service and sacrifice of U.S. military veterans.   

"Veterans Day is a revered time to honor the courage and sacrifice of all those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "We pay tribute to veterans right here in Chicago and across the country for their resilience and resolve."

The event included special tributes to veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and Post-9/11 conflicts. Chicago was also officially recognized as a Purple Heart City.

The Honorable William J. Walker, the 38th Sergeant at Arms of the U.S. House of Representatives during the 117th Congress, delivered the keynote address. Previously, General Walker served as the 23rd Commanding General of the District of Columbia National Guard.

The ceremony featured musical performances, a ceremonial wreath-laying, and personal stories of heroism and sacrifice. WWII vehicles and a Civil War canon were also on display.

The ceremony, which is always open to the public, began at 11 a.m. inside Soldier Field's United Club.

Watch the service live using the media player at the top of this article.