Honor Guard Maintains 24-Hour Vigil At Police Memorial
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A 24-hour vigil was being held Monday at the Gold Star Families Memorial and Park near Soldier Field, to honor police officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.
WBBM Newsradio's Bernie Tafoya reports 562 Chicago police officers have died in the line of duty in the past 161 years, according to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.
Each year, to mark the start of Police Memorial Month in May, officers volunteer to maintain a 24-hour vigil at the Gold Star Families Memorial and Park, in Burnham Park along the lakefront.
Officers Mark Upcoming Start Of Police Memorial Month
Officer Javier Reyes, who has been with the Chicago Police Department for nearly 8 years, said it's the fifth time he's taken part in the vigil.
"It's in honor of our fallen brothers and sisters. They made the ultimate sacrifices. At the minimum, the least we can do is stand out here," he said.
Honor guard members will assist anyone who wishes to place a wreath at the memorial until midnight Monday night.
