Mayor Richard Daley on Saturday was honored for the continual dedication to the nation's military he showed throughout his years in office.
The tribute inside Soldier Field included several members of the city's growing Junior ROTC program and culminated with Daley receiving the Distinguished Civilian Service Award. It is the highest honor a non-military individual can receive for his or her dedication to the U.S. Armed Forces.
"It takes a great mayor to have great cities to have great military," said Allan Lynch, an Army veteran and Medal of Honor recipient.
Ald. James Balcer (11th) co-chaired the committee that helped plan the event, which included a parade and speakers.
Balcer credited Daley with bringing back the Memorial Day Parade and for never forgetting about Armed Forces Day.
With his son, Patrick Daley on hand, the mayor said the award was a great honor, but spoke less about it and more about what he plans to do for military families when he leaves office.
"I'm very close to the Gold Star Families and we're working on a number of things for them to have a memorial on behalf of their loved one," he said.
