For some Chicagoans, this is a three-day weekend.
Veterans Day falls on Monday this year, marking 101 years since the end of World War I. On that day, the allies signed a treaty with Germany, officially bringing the war to an end. All fighting stopped on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Events and ceremonies will be taking place around Chicago to honor all those who have served in the armed forces. Here’s a roundup of what’s going on this weekend so you can honor the veterans in your own way.
Chicago Veteran’s Day ceremony
The City of Chicago will honor veterans with a ceremony Monday at 10 a.m. at Solider Field, which was named as such at the request of Gold Star Mothers who wanted to honor the men who lost their lives during World War I. The event is free to all.
Brigadier General Kris A. Belanger, 85th Army Reserve Support Command, will deliver the keynote address.
Free public parking is available at the Waldron Parking Deck. Take the exit at 18th Street from Lake Shore Drive to access it.
UIC breakfast and flag ceremony
The University of Illinois at Chicago will honor veterans with a breakfast and flag raising ceremony. From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., UIC’s veteran community can stop by for a breakfast in their honor. Melissa Stockwell, a U.S. Army officer and Bronze Medalist at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, will deliver a speech. The breakfast will be held in the first-floor conference room of the Student Services Building.
At noon, a flag raising ceremony will take place at the laze behind the UIC Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St. UIC ROTC cadets will raise the flag to honor all past, present and future veterans.
Facets Cinémathèque
In honor of Veteran’s Day, the Facets Cinémathèque will screen “Homemade,” a new documentary following a veteran who’s come home and dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Decorated Force Reconnaissance Marine Adam Sorensen returns home to his family with a brain injury, and though he says he feels okay at first, he’s not quite the same. The documentary follows Sorensen and his family over the course of seven years as he battles PTSD and addiction.
Following the show, local veteran’s advocacy and support groups and addition specialists will host a panel discussion and take questions from the audience.
Shedd Aquarium
Want to pet sturgeon and coo over otters this weekend? The Shedd Aquarium is open and free through Monday to veterans starting on Saturday. Military members will need to show an I.D. at the door to receive free admission.
