Chicago honors service members with Memorial Day Parade

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago paid tribute to all fallen service members with its annual Memorial Day Parade Saturday.

PHOTOS: Chicago Memorial Day Parade

As the city honored the nation's fallen military heroes, so did the Gonzalez family - for the first time.

"Remembering the people that have fallen for us that went to war for us and fought for our country," said Araceli Gonzalez.

The 2015 parade stepped off from State and Lake in the city's Loop with Brigadier General Alicia Tate-Nadeau, the Illinois National Guard's first female general, as parade Grand Marshall.

"That's the most amazing thing, to see so many Americans saying 'thank you' to our fallen heroes," she said.

This year's salute marked the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and was dedicated to all the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the US like Army Sergeant Albert Ware, who was killed in combat in 2009.

"It brings back memories from the very day it happened," said Thomas Ware. "However, it tells us that his memory will forever live on."

Before the parade, there was a more solemn gathering at Daley Plaza where Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel reiterated his vow to get all homeless veterans off the streets by the of the year.

"No veteran in the city of Chicago will ever call Lower Wacker home again," Emanuel said.

Mementos of respect were presented to Gold Star families those lost a loved one to war. There was also a special Gold Star flag presentation to the family of Army Private Aaron Toppen, who was killed in June 2014 in Afghanistan.

Considered one of the largest Memorial Day parades, the event featured dozens of military marching bands, veterans groups and floats.

For Army Veteran Bruce Elliott, the day of celebration is proof of the public's appreciation of his sacrifice.

"That's very good," Elliott said. "It makes you feel proud of doing what you do."