A procession of Chicago Fire Department members, pipes and drums lined Roosevelt Road in front of Saint Ignatius College Prep.
It was the 91st annual Memorial Day Parade and Mass at Holy Family Church.
"This is to commemorate anybody who died from last Memorial Day to this Memorial Day, including active members and retired members who have passed away," said Jake Jakubec, retired CFD Battalion Chief.
He said being a tight knit community, CFD members and their families always show up to support other families who have lost a loved one.
"It hits home," he said. "It's just like losing your mother, father, grandfather, grandmother, so it's family-knit and we stick together and that's why we do this every year, to remember."
The family of Michael "Mickey" Altman was among the attendees. The 32 year old died in March after battling an apartment building fire in Rogers Park.
Carolina Garibay
They said they're grateful for the Fire Department in what they've done to remember Altman and support his wife Nora Altman.
"They're very supportive," said John, whose niece is Nora. "They're there all the time for them and helping us.
Retired Western Springs firefighter Jim Regan said he tries to make it to the memorial every year. He worked as a fire protection engineer for 50 years.
"It's an emotional day," he said. "Every time I look at this list of people we're remembering, there are people that I've known over the 60 years I've been in Chicago who are gone now, and that's what's tough."
He said the memorial is a great way to continue honoring the lives of those who have died.
"The Irish have a saying: 'The worst thing than being gone is being forgotten.' And we don't forget. And that's what it's all about," he said.
