Chicagoans Remember Fallen Vets With Wreath Laying, Parade
(CBS) -- On this beautiful, sunny day, thousands gathered to pay their respects for those who gave their lives for their country.
CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot reports at the Memorial Day wreath laying ceremony at Daley Plaza, wreaths were placed around the eternal flame, in honor of the Gold Star Families, those who lost a relative while in the service, for POWs and those missing in action, those in the armed forces and for the United States.
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Pam Toppen, the mother of PFC Aaron Toppen, placed the Gold Star Family Wreath. Toppen's son Aaron was killed by friendly fire while serving in Afghanistan last year. She was consoled by the mayor during the ceremony after receiving a flag in her son's honor.
"It brings it to realization for all of us," she said.
On receiving the flag, Toppen said it was "very honoring. Made me very proud and it just touched my heart."
Brigadier General Alicia A. Tate-Nadeau, the Illinois National Guard's first female general, was the parade grand marshal for Chicago's Memorial Day Parade.
"I think about the men and women that I serve and my desire to serve them appropriately and to use my new rank to further things for them," she said.
That sentiment was not lost on Eddie Frorup, watching the parade with his wife and children.
"For all the men and ladies that have served in the military…it's the least we can do and we're grateful for them," said parade-goer Eddie Frorup.
Meantime, at the ceremony here at Daley Plaza, Mayor Emanuel reiterated his plan to provide permanent housing for all homeless veterans in the city by December of this year. The plan was met with tremendous applause.
