Chicago Honors Veterans at Soldier Field November 11

Veterans will be honored in one of the most appropriate places in Chicago this Veterans Day: Soldier Field. 

The holiday began in 1919 as Armistice Day to mark the signing of the armistice which ended World War I. Soldier Field was named to honor the men lost in World War I, and the stadium is home to the Doughboy statue, which represents the soldiers from the same war. The statue was originally placed in Garfield Park, but was removed after suffering severe damage in the 1960’s. It was restored and has called Soldier Field home since the stadium was rebuilt in 2003.

Since 1954 Armistice Day has been known as Veterans Day and honors all those who serve their country, both living and deceased.

The Veterans Day ceremony will take place in front of the Doughboy statue at 11am on November 11, with speakers representing every branch of the military. The nearby benches for moments of reflection contain notable quotations about service to country and actual Armed Forces Medals of Honor cast into the backrests.

The West Point Glee Club, one of the U.S. Military Academy’s most visible cadet organizations, will perform at the ceremony. For over one hundred years, its members have touched audiences around the world with a model depiction of the Corps of Cadets through live performance in the nation’s finest concert halls, national network and feature film appearances, and recordings. The Glee Club enhances life at West Point through its traditional ceremonial duties and represents West Point and the U.S. Army at official events.

The program will culminate with a wreath laying ceremony at the Doughboy, a 21-gun salute, “Taps” and the “Armed Forces Medley.”

“I am proud to celebrate the brave men and women who serve our country and put themselves in harm’s way for our freedom,” said Mayor Emanuel. “While their service can never be repaid, we can honor the courage and sacrifice of our Veterans and the selflessness of their families.”

Soldier Field is located at 1410 Museum Campus Dr and the Veterans Day ceremony will be held at Gate 0.

FREE parking is available at the Waldron Parking Deck; exit at 18^th Street from Lake Shore Drive.