SALUTING THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED AND SACRIFICED
‘ We celebrate you’: Chicago pays tribute to veterans with wreath- laying ceremony at Vietnam Veterans Memorial and online event
As a Chicago fireboat sprayed a ceremonial water salute across the Chicago River, representatives from the Chicago Wolves hockey team were joined by the 85th U. S. Army Reserve Support Command in a wreath- laying ceremony Wednesday at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
The morning ceremony on the Riverwalk also marked the 15th anniversary of the memorial’s dedication.
About two dozen people, including many active and reserve service personnel, were on hand. Three members of Vietnam Veterans Against the War huddled together for an annual remembrance, then left as the ceremony began.
The Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department and Coast Guard Great Lakes each had boats stationed nearby.
Chicago Wolves senior executive vice president Wayne Messmer
opened the event by singing the National Anthem, as he often does at Wolves games.
Brigadier Gen. Ernest Litynski, commanding general of the 85th USARSC, and retired Marine Corps Brigadier Gen. Roger R. Machut both spoke at the ceremony.
“If I cry, it’s usually twice a year — either Veterans Day or Memorial Day,” Litynsk said as he began his speech before choking back tears
when acknowledging the sacrifices of the estimated 20 million American veterans.
“When you join our profession of arms, you take an oath to do something greater than a job. It’s important that we acknowledge the personal sacrifices that members of the military and their families make,” he said.
Litynsk also hinted at a growing partnership between the Army Reserve and the Wolves later down the line.
“We want to further solidify community respect for veterans, but most importantly we want to show folks in the community what it means to be a citizen- solider or veteran,” added Litynsk.
Messmer said it has always been important to the team to support those who serve in the military.
“The Wolves do quite a bit to honor the military during our season, so it was an easy choice to work with the Army Reserve and the city to make this happen,” he said.