Chicago has officially been designated a Purple Heart City and will commemorate its dedication to military veterans with the unveiling of two new street signs. The signage, honoring Purple Heart Veterans, will be erected at City Hall on LaSalle Street and near the site of Old Fort Dearborn at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, as announced by the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs. The public ceremony was scheduled earlier today at 9:00 a.m., symbolizing the city’s deep respect for soldiers wounded or killed in combat, as reported by the City of Chicago.
Notable figures such as Retired Lt. Col. Eldridge Johnson Jr., the first African American pilot in the Illinois National Guard and a Purple Heart recipient himself, will be in attendance. Johnson has been a key player in securing this recognition for veterans, according to a statement from the City of Chicago. Mayor Brandon Johnson is quoted as saying, "This designation is more than symbolic, it is a pledge to continue building a city where our veterans are seen, supported, and honored for their service."
Speaking on behalf of the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs, Director Kevin Barszcz addressed the significance of the Purple Heart City status, emphasizing the city's commitment to remembering both the fallen and the living wounded, including Barszcz's uncle, who lost his life during the Korean War. "Since World War I, more than 30,000 Illinois service members have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation — including my uncle, Hilario Vazquez, who was killed in action during the Korean War. Thousands more returned home with wounds that many still carry today," Barszcz remarked, as stated by the City of Chicago.
The unanimous backing from the City Council was seen last October, when a resolution to formalize Chicago's support for Purple Heart recipients passed. Alderman Gilbert Villegas, alongside the City Council’s Veterans Caucus, sponsored the resolution, reflecting a communal spirit of appreciation for veterans' sacrifices. As per the City of Chicago, "Designating Chicago as a Purple Heart City is a powerful gesture of respect and remembrance," said Alderman Villegas, "It reflects our deep appreciation for those who’ve endured the unimaginable and ensures their sacrifices are visible and honored in the heart of our city."
