Chicago Area Marks Veterans Day With Parades and Ceremonies

Aurora’s Veterans Day parade began at 10:15 a.m. on Downer Place, traveling from Water Street to Stolp Avenue. Local veterans groups, military organizations and the Aurora Honor Guard took part. Brig. Gen. John M. Dunn, who served in Iraq, was the guest speaker, and a ceremony honoring area veterans followed at City Hall.

Aurora also held a remembrance at the military museum operated by the Grand Army of the Republic for veterans who died in the past year.

In Sugar Grove, Waubonsee Community College held an 11 a.m. observance that included a moment of silence commemorating the armistice that brought World War I to a close. The college presented commendations to more than 25 students and staff members who are veterans.

Chicago’s public ceremony at Soldier Field included a wreath-laying and an event offering resources to veterans and their families. Mayor Brandon Johnson also honored veterans at the Victory Monument, the city’s only monument dedicated to Black veterans.

The Dusabole Center for Black History and Education made admission free year-round for military veterans, who can enter by presenting military identification. The museum said the policy is intended to spotlight the history and achievements of Black people who served in the military.