AURORA, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- In west suburban Aurora, Veterans Day activities focused on women who have served in the military.
The Veterans Day parade was canceled because of the rain. The military music was piped into the City Council chamber, but the ceremony went on this year honoring women veterans who would have served as parade Grand Marshals.
Yvonne Toney Thompson served overseas in the Navy.
“I think it's very important because throughout history women have proven that we're able to do all the things that men can do and that everyone can do, so it is just really important to recognize our ability to have the courage," she said.
She is now a downtown Aurora businesswoman running the Cotton Seed Creative Exchange.
Another honoree, Marine vet Stephanie Kifowit, was an alderwoman once. Now she's a state representative. She also applauded the focus on women and said she would have been glad to march in the rain.
Air Force veteran Betty Hart, who works for the city, urged everyone in attendance to continue to remember the service of female veterans.
"Create space for us women veterans just like it was very intentionally done today. We see you-I see you my service sisters, so just be real intentional about creating that space and I thank you for your sacrifice," she said.
Some of the honorees told their stories at the podium, and all of them thanked city officials for the recognition.
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