WHEATON, Ill. (WLS) — Events were held across the Chicago area on Sunday ahead of Memorial Day on Monday.
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There was a solemn tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes as people gathered in Wheaton Sunday afternoon for an annual wreath laying ceremony.
Gold Star family members were in attendance, with some of them carrying roses, as well as representatives from several branches of the military.
“You need to remember those who sacrificed their lives,” stated Vietnam War veteran Jeffrey Monahan. “We were all just young. I was only 19 when I went. Memorial Day is particularly for honoring those who didn’t make it back.”
It’s a holiday weekend that brings out many different emotions for veterans like Monahan.
“You reflect on all the experiences, both good and bad,” Monahan added. “Fortunately for me, I had more positive experiences than negative, but you remember it all.”
Ceremonies like the one in Wheaton carry significance not only for the veterans, but for those who had loved ones serving in their families.
“Grateful. We’re grateful for what they’ve been able to provide and sacrifice,” Wheaton resident Chuck Massaro said.
While many people spend the holiday weekend with family and friends, event organizers emphasize the importance of remembering how Americans achieved their freedom.
“Freedom is not free and you have to conform to certain kinds of things to continue freedom,” Wheaton resident George Kouba said. “If you don’t, you don’t have freedom.”
The wreath will remain up in Wheaton through Monday’s holiday. Organizers hope more people will continue to come see the beautiful memorial here in DuPage County to continue honoring the fallen heroes.
Also on Sunday, a parade of Chicago-area motorcyclists held their annual Memorial Day ride to honor the fallen.
Members of the Rolling Thunder Illinois Chapters One and Two led the group, which took off from North Chicago Sunday morning.
They rode 54 miles. The event also served as a fundraiser for veterans’ causes, including public education about prisoners of war and those who remain missing in action.
Meanwhile, Chicago’s roads and airports have been bustling with travelers this holiday weekend.
Monday is expected to be another very busy day as people head back home.
Midway Airport is expecting to see its highest volume of travelers for the holiday weekend on Monday.
O’Hare and Midway expect to see more than 1.86 million travelers this weekend.
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