Chicago's Gold Star Families Memorial and Park honors police who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Chicago Police Honor Guard posted a guard at the memorial and park for a 24 hour period in remembrance and appreciation of the ultimate sacrifice made by the Chicago Police officers whose names appear on the memorial wall.
Thomas E. Wortham III placed a wreath at the memorial in memory of his son Thomas Wortham IV, a police officer just back from Iraq who was killed in 2010 during a robbery.
"This Gold Star Memorial Park means that all the officers killed in the line of duty will never be forgotten," Wortham II said. "It is in their remembrance and I think it's a great thing."
The vigil began at 12:01 a.m. Sunday and will end at 11:59 p.m. Monday evening. Everyone is encouraged to come out and view this tribute of the fallen. This is the 10th anniversary of the event.
"I have quite a few friends in the police force who have lost people here, and I've actually met some of the people that have some fallen officers and I just felt like this was a time to come down and pay respects," said Peter Wagner.
This annual vigil is honoring the fallen police officers who gave their lives in the line of duty so that we never forget the sacrifices that they made
"It is not only a place for remembering, but also a place for joy because we have different events that remember the families," said Phil Cline, Executive Director, Police Memorial Foundation. "It is so important we never forget the families because they've made such a sacrifice for the city."
Police Chief Wayne Gulliford placed a wreath at the memorial.
"Our honor guard honors all those people and their families every year," he said.
