Veterans Day events across Chicago area honor service members, highlight Black military experience

Veterans Day Veterans Day events across Chicago area honor service members, highlight Black military experience By Evelyn Holmes , Gabe Ferris , John Garcia , Tre Ward Thursday, November 12, 2026 4:35AM Chicago honored veterans and their families on Veterans Day at Soldier Field and Riverwalk ceremonies. More events were held across the suburbs. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Veterans and active-duty service members were honored across the Chicago area on Veterans Day through parades, ceremonies, educational programs and community events recognizing their service and sacrifice. In Aurora, the city's 88th annual Veterans Day parade brought soldiers and veterans through downtown streets as spectators lined the route to cheer them on. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch Following the parade, a ceremony included a 21-gun salute honoring those who have served in the military. "It's the continuation of answering the nation's call when necessary, and when they're not in uniform, doing that in their communities, as well," said Gen. John Dunn of the Army Reserves. Veterans also were recognized at events throughout the region, including at Percy Julian High School and Chicago's Soldier Field, where hundreds of veterans received recognition and had access to services through a resource fair. "This is our country, and we are stronger together," said Clarissa Darchel Hinton, whose father is a veteran. Elsewhere in Chicago, a wreath was laid along the River Walk in honor of the approximately 3,000 Illinois service members who never returned home from the Vietnam War. 2 elementary school students killed after Amtrak train strikes vehicle in Western Springs: officials 3 hours ago At least 3 injured after building partially collapses downtown Aurora, officials say Rescue operations underway after building collapses in Brooklyn, New York: FDNY RELATED | Veterans Day: Retired Illinois general, wife reflect on military family sacrifices The experiences of Vietnam veterans were also highlighted at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center during a pre-screening of the film Soul Patrol, which tells the story of the Vietnam War's first Black special operations team. Army veteran Michael Wilhite Sr., whose brother served in Vietnam, reflected on the contributions of Black Americans to military service. "Some of the most patriotic people, or culture, in this country is Black America," Wilhite said. The museum event was part of a broader effort to bring attention to the experiences and contributions of Black service members. The DuSable Museum also announced a new initiative providing free admission to military veterans beginning Veterans Day. The museum has long offered free admission to active-duty service members and first responders and is expanding that policy to include veterans. "What we fight for in America is not done by one group, one social class, one cultural class, one race. We all are involved," said Perry Diggs, the museum's education and programs manager. The screening was followed by an open discussion exploring Black military service during the Vietnam War era. The event also featured educational programming focused on the experiences of Black service members during the conflict. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics COMMUNITY & EVENTS CHICAGO NEAR SOUTH SIDE AURORA VETERANS DAY SOLDIER FIELD VETERANS VETERANS PARADE Veterans Day: 'Without them, we don't have our service members' What's open and closed on Veterans Day 2026 Our Chicago: Helping Cook County Veterans Get their Benefits Honor Flight Chicago brings 'flightless flight' experience to veterans Watch Live ON NOW 2 young students killed after train strikes vehicle in west suburbs 3 hours ago At least 3 injured after building partially collapses in Aurora At least 2 dead, multiple injured after building collapses in Brooklyn: Mayor Chicago target of alleged Chinese espionage in O'Hare airport case SS United States completes final voyage, sinks to Gulf floor | Updates 3 hours ago