In the heart of Chicago, a city known for its vibrant history and diverse culture, emotions run deep on Memorial Day. For many veterans, this day evokes a complex mix of feelings about their time in service, as they reflect on both the sacrifices and the controversies associated with their duty.
Amidst the solemn ceremonies at the Chicago Vietnam Memorial, where attendees gather to honor those who never returned, a parallel sentiment emerges. Nearby, voices rise in protest against military actions initiated by the Trump administration, highlighting a recurring tension that echoes through the corridors of history.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Each year, this memorial serves as a gathering point for Vietnam veterans who come together to pay tribute. Their salutes are not merely ceremonial gestures; they are acts of remembrance for the more than 3,000 comrades whose names are etched along the serene Chicago Riverwalk.
To veterans like Carlos Aladino, a member of the 173rd Airborne, these names are etched in memory as well as stone. “I have two or three names on that wall. I miss them all, 55 years later. It’s been a long time. We won’t forget,” Aladino shares, capturing the enduring impact of their shared experiences.
The Vietnam War holds a unique place in the annals of American history, often cited as the nation’s most contentious conflict. Each Memorial Day, the Chicago Vietnam Memorial becomes not only a site for remembrance but also a backdrop for anti-war demonstrations, reminding us of the ongoing dialogue about the costs of war.
The Vietnam War has long been considered the United States’ most unpopular war. Chicago’s Vietnam Memorial has also, year upon year, become the site of anti-war protests.
Dozens came together not one hour after Monday’s wreath-laying event to speak out against the current administration’s military intrusions around the globe.
“I don’t want more dead people to be added to some list for profit, for the upper class that is never going to see a battlefield,” said Illinois National Guard veteran Kayla Harris. “I am protesting the war today, and I will continue to do so tomorrow.”
Many of those gathered included younger veterans disillusioned with the very institution they served.
“The oath that I took to join the military kind of guides me,” said Navy veteran Edgar Castillo. “I’m allowed to wear this uniform and speak out against our government with the endless wars that are going on, Iran, Venezuela.”
“We don’t know what we’re fighting for. Some say it’s for oil. Some say it’s for land. We’re not fighting for freedom. We’re not,” said Army veteran Stefanie Macias.
Monday’s program ended with participants throwing roses into the Chicago River.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
