Chicago hosts annual Memorial Day parade

The Memorial Day holiday weekend is now in full swing and for some it's a three-day weekend for barbecues, or trips out of town, but for many it's about the true meaning, honoring those who gave their lives serving our country.

Saturday at the O'Hare Oasis in Schiller Park, Governor Pat Quinn unveiled the 'Portrait of a Soldier" memorial exhibit. It features a series of hand-drawn portraits of nearly all of the more than 300 Illinois service men and women who have died since the September 11th attacks.

And downtown, the annual parade kicked off with a wreath-laying in Daley Plaza.

Once again Chicago honored the men and women of the military with the city's Memorial Day Parade.

"We wouldn't be here if wasn't for them, so it just touches my heart," said Debbie Rizzo.

It's the first year the Aurora resident and her daughter attended the parade.

Lieutenant Colonel Tammy Duckworth, congresswoman of Illinois' 8th Congressional District was the parade's grand marshal.

After the parade stepped off down State Street, Duckworth, among others, expressed concern over the alleged mistreatment of veterans at VA medical facilities.

"Our vets did not wait to respond when this nation called and asked for volunteers and asked us to step forward and serve, so why should they have to wait when it's their turn to ask for help," Duckworth said.

And while Saturday's parade celebrated the sacrifices made by servicemen and servicewomen, the day began on a more solemn note with a wreath-laying in Daley Plaza.

One Gold Star Family of Fallen Loved Ones received a special recognition.

James Frazier, whose son Staff Sgt. Jacob Frazier was killed in 2003, was the recipient of the 2014 Logan Patriot Award.

"We are a club first of all that nobody wants to join," James Frazier said.

Chicago's Memorial Day Parade is considered one of the largest in the nation and not only features military, but also 6,000 junior ROTC cadets.

And also features dozens of marching bands, marchers and floats, including one representing ABC7 Eyewitness News.

For the King family from New York the day is about saying thank you to those who keep America safe.

"Happy Memorial Day Chicago!" they cheered.

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