Chicago's Memorial Day: Honoring the Fallen, Preserving the Memory

Chicago Honors Fallen Service Members on Memorial Day Chicago and its suburbs observed Memorial Day with several poignant events honoring fallen U.S. service members. The day's events included moments of silence, parades, and speeches from local politicians and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth. In Aurora, a moving moment of silence was held for one of the city's sons who passed away. In nearby Oswego, a ceremony remembered Dick Miller, a 98-year-old World War II veteran who died just before the Aurora parade. Miller's service in the Navy, including his survival of the sinking of the USS Drexler, was highlighted. The 10th annual Commander Robert Davis Southside Memorial Day parade traveled through the Auburn Gresham neighborhood. Senator Duckworth, who served in the Iraq War and lost her legs when her helicopter was shot down, spoke about the importance of remembering those who served. "So many places around the country, there are fewer and fewer observances for Memorial Day," she noted. "And to have this one...ten years strong is really critical." The events underscored the community's enduring commitment to honoring those who died fighting for their country.