With falling snow dusting the bronze helmet and bayonet of a nearby World War I statue, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and other dignitaries Monday remembered the sacrifices of the nation’s veterans.
Pritzker called Veterans Day a “very special day,” as about 150 guests — many of them veterans — huddled in the cold at Soldier Field, where huge heaters resembling jet engines roared and threatened to drown out the speakers.
“As the son and grandson of naval officers, I have a very personal commitment to uphold our sacred obligations to Illinois’ 650,000 veterans,” Pritzker said.
Tom J. Day, founder of Bugles Across America, plays Taps at Soldier Field on Monday, Nov. 11, 2019.
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Santiago Covarrubias/For the Sun-Times
A group of veterans during the invocation on Veteran’s Day at Soldier Field on Monday, Nov. 11, 2019.
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Santiago Covarrubias/For the Sun-Times
Veterans during the invocation on Veterans Day Monday, Nov. 11, 2019.
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Santiago Covarrubias/For the Sun-Times
A group of veterans during the National Anthem at Soldier Field on Monday, Nov. 11, 2019.
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Santiago Covarrubias/For the Sun-Times
Past Commander of the Illinois 5th District Anthony Bingham III during the National Anthem at Soldier Field on Monday, Nov. 11, 2019.
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Santiago Covarrubias/For the Sun-Times
Veteran’s Day at Soldier Field on Monday, Nov. 11, 2019.
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Santiago Covarrubias/For the Sun-Times
Santiago Covarrubias/For the Sun-Times
JROTC Chicago Public Schools Cadets during the Veteran’s Day ceremony at Soldier Field on Monday, Nov. 11, 2019.
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Santiago Covarrubias/For the Sun-Times
JROTC Chicago Public Schools Cadets Presentation of Colors during the Veteran’s Day ceremony at Soldier Field on Monday, Nov. 11, 2019.
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Santiago Covarrubias/For the Sun-Times
Santiago Covarrubias/For the Sun-Times
Brigadier General Kris A. Belanger, Governor J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot at the Veteran’s Day ceremony at Soldier Field on Monday, Nov. 11, 2019.
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Santiago Covarrubias/For the Sun-Times
JROTC Chicago Public Schools Cadets at the Veteran’s Day ceremony at Soldier Field on Monday, Nov. 11, 2019.
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Santiago Covarrubias/For the Sun-Times
Lightfoot spoke about the importance of looking after veterans after they have returned from duty — helping them find jobs, providing medical care.
“We may honor our veterans today, but our true service to them is in what we do for them in our city and our country every single day,” Lightfoot said.
Former Ald. Jim Balcer, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, noticed the empty seats here and there — suggesting it was likely a result of the unseasonable cold. He said he was grateful for those who did make an appearance Monday.
“It’s a day all of America should remember — the sacrifices of the men and women who served our country, those who died, those that are serving now,” Balcer said.