Chicago, suburban events mark Veterans Day, including Soldier Field ceremony
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Veterans Day events are taking place throughout Chicago and the suburbs to honor those who protected the nation's freedom.
Monday is a historic day for the city of Chicago, as it was officially named a Purple Heart City for honoring servicemembers who were wounded or killed.
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"Each and every one of you has brought safety and security and comfort and prosperity to an untold number of people and their communities," Gov. JB Pritzker said.
Veterans who fought for the U.S. in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and post-9/11 filled the room at Soldier Field.
Many of them are reflecting on what the day means. Some veterans who were in Vietnam said serving in a war with the fourth-largest loss of life in American warfare history means remembering those who didn't make it hope, and also appreciating a room where everyone is welcome.
"Remember us and what we went through to make this country safe for everyone else," Sgt. Freddee Growell said.
Vietnam War veteran Sgt. James Hobson said he makes annual trips to the memorial in Washington, D.C.
"The Vietnam War was the first fully integrated war, first fully integrated war; so, we were sort of getting the kinks out over there. But, to see my fellow Americans, Black, white, whatever, Hispanic, means a lot to me because we all fought together over there," Sgt. James Hobson said. "We lost 58,479 fellow Americans over there. I personally didn't lose a man during my time, but I saw a lot of men lose their lives."
Hobson said everyone is made to feel welcome, no matter which of the armed forces they serve.
The veterans ABC7 Chicago spoke to said they hope Veterans Day is a reminder to everyone of the importance of coming together rather than being divided.
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The honorable William J. Walker, a Chicago native who was the first Black person to serve as sergeant at arms for Congress, delivered the keynote address, as the ceremony aimed to bring the community together and inspire future generations.
"We're great because of our veterans who will answer the nation's call no matter what," he said.
A Veterans Day Parade Monday morning in Aurora included an appearance by former U.S. Army Prisoner of War Jessica Lynch.
Aurora also honored veterans working within city government during a Sunday evening ceremony.
Veteran workers were each presented with awards by Aurora's mayor, Richard Irvin, a veteran of the first U.S. war in Iraq.
Other Veterans Day events in the area include the annual Veterans Day Breakfast in Bensenville.
The event was expected to feature a band and choral performances from their local high school.
The city of Kankakee and village of Mount Prospect also held Veterans Day ceremonies.
Veterans speak to high schoolers in Elmhurst
The kids at York High School in Elmhurst were born well after the September 11 attack, let alone Desert Storm. And Vietnam may as well have been the dinosaur age.
But they are getting the chance to hear about Vietnam and other experiences from some of the veterans who lived it.
"I think it's really important that the kids have some interest in this, because let's face it: One of the things about this country is we ain't interested in history," said Scott Forsythe, who served two tours in Army intelligence in Vietnam.
In honor of this Veterans Day, history came to life at the Roosevelt Senior Center Monday.
"It's been a great experience to hear firsthand from the people, went through," said York High School junior Elyssa Hall.
The veterans and students held a ceremony in front of the flag outside. Some of the vets had pictures and medals to share on a display table at lunch. It helped bring their experience of joining the military to life for the students.
"Most of the kids sitting here today are the same age as the veterans here, in their 70s, 80s and 90s," said American Legion Post 187 Commander Eric Pulia.
For the veterans, even though it was more than half a century ago, the time they served remains one of the most defining parts of their lives. And while the students are grateful for their service, many of the veterans are grateful to have the opportunity to share their experiences and lessons.
"The most important thing I got out of it was more respect for this country and more respect for the military," said Air Force veteran Bobbie Cucco.
The students plan to take many more portraits like this of the veterans, eventually creating a veterans' wall at the entrance of the building there.
