Nov. 12--Moses Duran, 65, sat by himself in the rows of white seats at the south entrance to Soldier Field. A simple taupe hat covered his head, salt and pepper hair poking out from underneath.
Multicolored pins on his hat were the only indication of his Army service during the Vietnam War.
"We were young boys when we went into the service, and now we're old men remembering what it's like," Duran said solemnly, as he and many other veterans participated in the Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday morning in Chicago.
Before long, his face broke into a smile as he was joined by friends who grew up with him on the Southwest Side or enlisted in the military with him.
Barron Buchunas, 65, of Carol Stream, who has known Duran since seventh grade, shook his hand with a giant grin.
"I'm thankful for all my buddies," Buchunas said.
Like Buchunas and Duran, many veterans came to the celebration to reunite with old friends and to be recognized for their service and sacrifice.
A small band played jazzy versions of patriotic hits as civilians and veterans took their seats. Before long, hands were over hearts and caps were removed as students from St. Jerome Catholic Church emphatically recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Dignitaries sat on the stage, including Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Gov. Bruce Rauner and U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran from Illinois.
The keynote speaker was retired Capt. William Albracht, a Green Beret and the youngest captain to command combat troops in Vietnam, who began by addressing the veterans in the audience.
"I can't go and shake all your hands, but I'm telling you all, thank you for your service to our country, and to my Vietnam brothers, welcome home," he said.
Perhaps the most poignant part of his address was the story of a friend who died in combat shortly after showing Albracht a picture of his newborn son, whom he had yet to meet. Years later, Albracht connected with the son and told him about his father, who had the same blue eyes.
Army veteran Frank Baluk, 61, of Chicago, said the story was one that every veteran could connect with.
"I wasn't in combat. I was lucky. But stories that my friends and cousins told me, it was brutal," he said. "It took my cousin 20 years to talk about it. He did two terms in Vietnam, and he didn't talk about it for 20 years because he knew that no one would listen."
The ceremony also included a wreath presentation at the doughboy statue, followed by a rifle salute and a trumpeter playing taps. To recognize those who had served in various branches of the military, the band played a medley of anthems from each branch while members stood and the audience clapped along.
For many, the ceremony was an opportunity to remember those who died or remain missing in action, as well as to inspire gratitude in the public toward those who serve.
"Not enough Americans appreciate the sacrifices of the people who have served and what they've done," said Lawrence Perez, 55, of Chicago, and a veteran of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, a parachute infantry division. "For me, what really hits home is remembering. I really think Americans don't remember enough about what this is all about."
Perez said that despite his tough-looking facade, he and many other veterans never fail to tear up when hearing the national anthem.
His words were borne out Wednesday as veterans wiped away tears after hearing the last line of the song.
"I love my country so much," Perez said.
gwong@tribpub.com
