Chicagoans commemorate veterans with parade in the Loop ahead of Memorial Day
Hundreds of people commemorating Memorial Day marched down North Dearborn Street in the Loop Saturday afternoon. The crowd included students with the ROTC, veteran support group members, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Korean and Vietnamese cultural groups and active duty military members.
“Whether abroad in Vietnam or Afghanistan or here at home rebuilding our nation in the civil war, Illinoisans and Chicagoans throughout history have defended our freedoms and generations of Chicagoans throughout history have supported them in parades and commemoration to express our gratitude,” Mayor Johnson said in his opening remarks. “Here at home, we have our own responsibility to fight for freedom and to uphold the values of our democracy. We can serve and uplift our neighbors, strengthen our communities and stand up for one another with the same sense of purpose that defines the men and women of the armed forces.”
The parade marks the 40th anniversary of the 1986 City of Chicago’s Welcome Home Parade, where over 200,000 veterans and their families were welcomed back, added Johnson.
A member of the drill team of the Chicago Military Academy in Bronzeville marches Saturday during a parade commemorating Memorial Day on North Dearborn Street in the Loop.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
A paradegoer rides a motorcycle during a parade commemorating Memorial Day on North Dearborn Street in the Loop on Saturday.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Students march with American flags during a parade commemorating Memorial Day on North Dearborn Street in the Loop on Saturday.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
A man commemorating the Buffalo Soldiers rides a horse during a parade commemorating Memorial Day on North Dearborn Street in the Loop on Saturday.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Paradegoers march during a parade commemorating Memorial Day on North Dearborn Street in the Loop on Saturday.
Pat Nabong/Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Members of Lakeside Pride Marching Band play their instruments Saturday during a parade commemorating Memorial Day on North Dearborn Street in the Loop.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Paradegoers holding a banner that reads, “Sikhs contribution in World Wars,” march Saturday during a parade commemorating Memorial Day on North Dearborn Street in the Loop.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Men hold an American flag while riding a float during a parade commemorating Memorial Day on North Dearborn Street in the Loop on Saturday.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson attends a parade commemorating Memorial Day on North Dearborn Street in the Loop on Saturday.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
A veteran marches in a parade commemorating Memorial Day on North Dearborn Street in the Loop on Saturday.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
A paradegoer holds a sign that reads, “Choose peace” during a parade commemorating Memorial Day on North Dearborn Street in the Loop on Saturday.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Students with Michele Clark Academic Prep Magnet High School march Saturday during a parade commemorating Memorial Day on North Dearborn Street in the Loop.
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