City Honoring Veterans At Soldier Field Ceremony
CHICAGO (CBS) -- As the nation honors the men and women who have served our country, Chicago hosted a salute Tuesday morning at Soldier Field to pay tribute to those who have worn the uniform.
Originally known as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I, November 11 was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to pay tribute to veterans of all wars.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Gov. Pat Quinn, Governor-elect Bruce Rauner, and U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk were among the dignitaries attending the city's annual Veterans Day ceremony at Soldier Field.
Ald. James Balcer (11th), a U.S. Marine veteran of the Vietnam War, has usually been the master of ceremonies or chaired the event in the past, but as he prepares to retire next year, he was giving the keynote speech this year.
"It's been a long time for me. Like I said, 25 years in government and being involved in the veterans and the military; and at least 30 in the veterans' community, with the Vietnam Veterans' welcome home parade, Memorial Day parade, Veterans Day, Flag Day. We've done so many things, and I'm so proud of what I've done, and so proud to be part of the community," he said.
Balcer, a Purple Heart winner, said he hopes the city's annual observance reminds residents of veterans' issues, such as homelessness and unemployment.
"I hope that it brings attention to veterans issues; homelessness, the VA hospitals, PTSD, Agent Orange, employment. There's a lot of things that I want people to think about. Yes, it's good to say thank you to a veteran, but help. We veterans need jobs," he said. "One-third of the homeless population is veterans."
Dozens of veterans and their family members were in attendance at Soldier Field. All branches of the military were represented inside the stadium, under an area protected from the driving rain.
Veterans in attendance said such ceremonies are a reminder of their shared pride in country and service, and that they aren't alone in that commitment.
"It makes me sometimes cry, due to the fact that some of them ain't there," Vietnam veteran Chuck Padilla said. "It's emotional sometimes, and a lot of times it's fun, too."
The Soldier Field ceremony included a wreath-laying at the lifesize Doughboy statue just inside the stadium's south entrance, and a 21-gun salute. The stadium itself is dedicated to the soldiers of World War I.