Veterans Day 2024: Chicago, suburbs hold events honoring veterans, including Soldier Field ceremony [Video]

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, …