Veterans Day events will take place across Chicago and its suburbs to honor those who served.
On Monday, Chicago will officially be designated a Purple Heart City, joining others nationwide in recognizing the sacrifices of servicemembers wounded or killed in action. Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with state and city leaders, will participate in the event, which will celebrate veterans and highlight efforts to provide support and opportunities for them and their families.
The ceremony will honor veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and post-9/11 conflicts. William J. Walker, a Chicago native and the first Black person to serve as Sergeant at Arms in Congress, will deliver the keynote address.
The event will begin at 11 a.m., with doors opening at 10 a.m. at the United Club inside Soldier Field.
In Aurora, a Veterans Day Parade will feature former U.S. Army POW Jessica Lynch. The city also honored veteran employees at a Sunday evening ceremony, where Mayor Richard Irvin, a veteran of the Iraq War, presented awards.
Other local events include Bensenville’s annual Veterans Day Breakfast at 9 a.m., a ceremony in Kankakee at 10 a.m., and a service in Mount Prospect at 10:30 a.m. at Lions Veterans Memorial Park.
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