City of Chicago Hosts Annual Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony

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CHICAGO - The City of Chicago will host its annual Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Soldier Field in the United Club (1410 South Special Olympics Drive). This year marks the 80th anniversary of World War II, offering a moment for all Chicagoans to honor and express gratitude for the outstanding service of the men and women of our armed forces. Doors open at 10 a.m., enter at Gate 0.

"Veterans Day is a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment of those who have worn our nation's uniform," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Chicago's veterans embody the best of our city's values: service, resilience and unity. On this day, we not only honor their dedication, but also recommit ourselves to supporting them and their families every day of the year."

Brigadier General Jorge M. Fonseca, Director of the Joint Staff of the Illinois National Guard, will serve as the keynote speaker. Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Brig. Gen. Fonseca moved to the United States when he was six years old and grew up in Chicago's Little Village. The third of nine children, he attended Farragut High School and later graduated from Lyons Township High School in La Grange. Brig. Gen. Fonseca shares decades of service across command, intelligence and joint operations. He has overseen domestic emergency response, the State Partnership Program with Poland and Portugal, and multiple overseas deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Prior to this assignment, he served as Chief of Staff of the Defense Intelligence Agency's Middle East/Africa Regional Center. After enlisting in 1991, he was commissioned in 1996, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. Among his decorations are the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and the Gold Medal of the Polish Army.

The 2025 Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony will feature Farragut Career Academy High School presenting the Colors. The program will include a wreath-laying ceremony at the Soldier Field Memorial Water Wall to honor fallen service members, along with remarks from Governor J.B. Pritzker, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle and other distinguished civic and military leaders.

Guests will also experience a moving musical tribute featuring patriotic selections, a solemn moment of silence in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and a community salute recognizing veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.

Business attire or service dress uniform is requested. Admission is free and open to the public. Complimentary commuter parking is available at the Waldron Deck parking structure. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 10:30 a.m. to allow time for security screening and seating. Veterans and their families are especially invited to participate in the program.

Media Parking:
Live trucks may park on the east side of the building at Gate 16.

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Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs
The Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs (MOVA) is committed to improving the day-to-day experiences of our 65 thousand veterans and their family members who call Chicago home, including thousands of additional service members currently stationed in Chicago. MOVA is dedicated to supporting Chicago's diverse veteran community through increased collaboration with local organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector and is supported by the Advisory Council on Veteran Affairs (ACVA), a 21-member council comprising subject matter experts, one of five advisory councils to the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR).

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago's 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city - to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city's most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city - serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.