City honors fallen service members, Gold Star families during annual Wreath Laying Ceremony at Daley Plaza

CHICAGO — The City of Chicago observed Memorial Day on Saturday during an annual Wreath Laying Ceremony at Daley Plaza and a subsequent parade along State Street.

Mayor Brandon Johnson and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois honored fallen service members and their loved ones during a ceremony that included Gold Star families and representatives of the U.S. Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

“Our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters who served deserve our unending gratitude,” the mayor said. “A debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid.”

Durbin said Memorial Day is “the day we remember and honor the more than one million Americans who have given their lives in military service.”

“It is a time for reflection, for us to consider the enormity of their sacrifice,” Durbin said.

Master Sgt. Adam Shaw, U.S. Army (retired), emceed the ceremony, while Maj. Deanna “De” Love, U.S. Army (retired), sang the national anthem and the 484th Army Band performed Taps.

The keynote address was delivered by Major General William J. Walker, U.S. Army (retired), a Chicago native whose decorated military and public service career spans more than 30 years. Walker, who made history as the 38th Sergeant at Arms of the U.S. House of Representatives and the first African American to hold the role, also served as grand marshal of the parade.

Additionally, James Terry Blue Sr., a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was honored with this year’s Major General John A. Logan Patriot Award. The award is named after Logan, who was from southern Illinois and helped establish Memorial Day after the Civil War.

Also, two Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) students received the Cadets of the Year Award: C/LTC Ximena Torres of Farragut Career Academy IB World School and C/Capt. Andy Jara of Marine Leadership Academy.