Events took place across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs Saturday to honor those who have served on Veterans Day.
The City of Chicago planned to recognize and celebrate members of the U.S. military with a special event at Soldier Field.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events hosted the annual Veterans Day ceremony beginning at 11 a.m.
The ceremony featured a speaking program with a keynote address by the Honorable Ryan D. McCarthy, Acting Secretary of the Army.
The West Point Glee Club, one of the U.S. Military Academy’s most visible cadet organizations, was also slated to perform.
Organizers then planned to end the event with a wreath-laying at the iconic 'Doughboy' statue, followed by a 21-gun salute and the playing of "Taps and the "Armed Forces Medley."
The event is free and open to the public, along with several other commemorations across the area.
Local
The City of Evanston held a ceremony at 10 a.m. at Patriots Park, while Mount Prospect recognized military members at Lions Recreation Center at 10:30 a.m.
At 10:45 a.m., Hoffman Estates planned an event outside the village's police department. Gurnee, Lindenhurst and Glenview also held various ceremonies at 11 a.m., among several others in the Chicago area.
Dozens of businesses also offered discounts and special deals Saturday as a way to show the nation's veterans and active military members their gratitude.
Chili's, Hooters, Applebee's, Bob Evans and Olive Garden offered a free meal to those with a military ID.
Longhorn Steakhouse promised veterans a complimentary dessert or appetizer, while IHOP planned to donate $1 to the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation for every Red, White and Blue Combo ordered throughout the entire month of November.
There were countless other events and promotions happening across Chicago and the nation Saturday as the country finds ways to honor the service and sacrifice of the U.S. military on Veterans Day.
