It honors fallen officers, and this year's march is especially significant.
Just over a week ago, Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew was killed in the line of duty. On Sunday, CPD honored him and the more than 600 members of the department who have died on the job.
CPD officers, their families, and law-enforcement officers from across the state came together to honor and pay tribute to their fallen as the parade stepped off from Michigan and Chicago avenues.
Thousands of police officers made a solemn procession up Michigan Avenue for the 94th annual march, which is organized by the St. Jude Jude Police League, the oldest fraternal order associated with CPD.
Cook County Sheriff's Department officers, along with Illinois State Police, were among those who joined CPD for the march, a tradition that dates back to 1932.
"Today's about paying respect to our officers who've made the supreme sacrifice and just to let the families know we're always stand with them," said CPD Chief of Patrol and St. Jude Jude Police League President Jon Hein.
Photos of officers killed in the line of duty lined the parade route, as did members of the community.
"It's an experience. It's very touching, and it's great to see this many people out supporting the police," said Betty Kerkeres, who is married to a police officer.
The march is meant to pay tribute to Gold Star families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Maria Majmolejo's husband, CPD Officer Eduardo Marmolejo, was killed while on the job in December 2018.
"I remember being here in May 2018, watching in pride is my late husband and the father of our three daughters for the first and last time," she said.
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In all, 606 Chicago police officers have given their lives protecting the city. Bartholomew's name was recently added to that list. The 38-year-old veteran police officer was killed, and his partner was wounded in a shooting at Swedish Hospital.
"It is unfortunate that the list continues to grow, but we do understand that this is the risk of working this particular job," said CPD Supt. Larry Snelling.
A short ceremony followed the march. After that, there was a 21-gun salute and the playing to taps.
Of course, there were many heavy hearts there as the department and the city of Chicago are set to lay Bartholomew to rest on Friday.