Soldier Field Hosts Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
CHICAGO (CBS) -- An annual Veterans Day celebration was held at Soldier Field on Wednesday.
The ceremony honored all veterans, and even the color guard on hand represented all branches of the U.S. military.
U.S. Army 1st Staff Sgt. Shenezqua Mouzon said she felt especially appreciative to be at the ceremony at Soldier Field on Wednesday, because last year she was traveling home from deployment on Veterans Day.
"This year, I can actually participate in a U.S. ceremony in honor of my sisters and brothers," she said.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Carmen Turcios Munoz said it was amazing to see how much the community supports veterans and active-duty military personnel.
"It's just nice to see we still have patriotism," she said.
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In addition to the many active and veteran service members in attendance, people of all ages from as far away as California came out to celebrate those who serve in the military.
"I really feel that I need to honor the ones that have fought for the freedoms that we have," said Joe Pollock, a military father from California. "I want my son and his brother at home to understand what we have because of the men and women who have died for our country."
Among the elected officials gathered to honor veterans was U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, a decorated Army helicopter pilot who lost both her legs in the Iraq War when the Black Hawk she was co-piloting was shot down in 2004.
Duckworth praised those who answered the call of service when others did not.
"These are the people we honor today, our veterans who do more than most, but will tell you it was never enough," she said.
Gov. Bruce Rauner said people must honor those who did not come home, but thank those who did.
"We will never forget your sacrifice. We will never forget your patriotism, your dedication, your commitment," he said.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin echoed those sentiments.
"We stand today in awe of your sacrifice and your commitment to America," he said.
The ceremony at Soldier Field started on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – the same time the shooting stopped to bring an end to World War I. Originally named Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I, the holiday was later expanded to honor all military veterans.
