CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) --Chicago is remembering and honoring all those who have served this Veterans Day.
A commemoration ceremony was held at Soldier Field, attended by veterans, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Governor J.B. Pritzker and among others, Illinois Senator and combat veteran Tammy Duckworth.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, whose father served in World War II, said Veterans Day is also a reminder of the perils facing our nation and the world.
"This is a difficult moment in the history of our nation," she said.
"We observe from afar battles in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. We've seen some horrific attacks just in this last month alone and members of our military abroad have been targets on bases very far from home. It's a stark reminder that freedom is not free."
Chicago 36th Ward Northwest Side Alderman Gilbert Villegas, a marine veteran, said that "Chicago is taking strides to support veterans."
He mentioned the renewal of the veterans business enterprise program, which guarantees a percentage of city contract opportunities for veteran-owned businesses and introducing legislation to establish hiring preferences for veterans seeking employment with the City of Chicago.
"Just as our veterans have served us, our city must serve them in return," Villegas added.
Chicago has about 66,000 veterans. Illinois is home to about a half million veterans.
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