The parade stepped off just after noon and proceeded south on State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street. Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, Director, Air National Guard, served as the parade's Grand Marshal.
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"I love the parade. I love to hear the kids playing and watching them do their strutting, it's exciting," said spectator CJ Parker.
Chicago's Memorial Day parade is one of the largest in the nation, it was approved by Congress beginning in 1947. Gold Star Lapel Pins and the Next of Kin Lapel Pins are presented to families not as an award, but as symbols of honor worn by family members in remembrance of their fallen loved ones and their ultimate sacrifice.
The wreath-laying ceremony was emceed by ABC7's Stacey Baca near the eternal flame at Daley Plaza at Dearborn and Washington Streets
WATCH: ABC7 Anchor Stacey Baca emcees wreath-laying ceremony
ABC7 Anchor Stacey Baca emcee Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony
During the ceremony and parade, Chicago honored fallen heroes and Gold Star family members who have lost a loved on in the United States Armed Forces to combat operations or while on active duty,
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"Wonderful. Love the military. We're here to support them all," said Charlene Bell.
"We are both from large military families and enjoy anything with the military, so this is great," remarked Jim Parker.
A squad leader in the Vietnam War, Jim Hobson said he comes every year to honor the memories of those who died for this country.
"We should always remember the sacrifices that these men and women made," said Hobson.
"Our citizens have never failed to answer the call to defend our nation against its enemies, giving everything to preserve the freedoms that we hold dear," said Loh.
Chicago's Memorial Day parade returns
Memorial Day has a rich history, beginning shortly after the Civil War ended when Maj. Gen. John A. Logan proclaimed that the 30th day of May be designated for the purpose of decorating the graves of soldiers who died during the conflict. First observed on May 30, 1868 as "Decoration Day," our modern day event has been expanded to honor all of our soldiers and service members who have fallen in the line of duty.