Veterans Day is a national holiday that honors members of the military. It commemorates the end of World War I and the end of the Spanish-American War. It also honors those who have served in other wars.
In addition, several countries set aside a day to honor their war veterans. Often, these days include ceremonies to address old wounds and help veterans heal. Chicago celebrates veterans every Nov. 11 with parades, free food, and music. Below are some things to do in Chicago on Veteran’s Day:
Government employees get a day off every week. Employees at all levels work on Veterans Day without additional compensation. However, they must make up any days off they missed during the year.
This includes teachers, police officers, firefighters and other public service workers. Teachers receive extra pay for working on Veterans Day, as do soldiers and sailors who serve overseas.
In addition, several companies run special discounts for veterans on their websites or in store windows. Doing your part ensures that all veterans receive the respect they deserve.
Chicago celebrates veterans every Nov 12-13 with a huge parade and festival for Nov 11th. The event draws thousands of people from around the country and world to celebrate the life of America’s greatest hero- Abraham Lincoln.
A statue of Lincoln sits in front of Lincoln Park where this yearly festival takes place. Vendors sell food, drinks and souvenirs at this festival while live bands play.
In addition, several political groups from around Chicago have booths where attendees can learn more about their causes. This way everyone can feel included in this patriotic celebration.
What to do in Chicago on Veterans Day?
Here are the best things to do in Chicago on Veterans Day weekend.
- Visit the Vietnam Memorial Wall at Lincoln Park
The National Mall’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial is dedicated to those who died while serving their country in the Vietnam War. The wall was built between 1982 and 1994 and consists of two parts: the Pool of Remembrance and the Wall of Names. The Pool of Remembrance contains a series of pools where visitors may place white flowers to honor fallen veterans. The Wall of Names features black granite slabs engraved with the names of the war dead.
- Explore Millennium Park
Millennium Park is a public park located in downtown Chicago, Illinois. It is bounded by Lake Michigan to the west, Columbus Drive to the north, State Street to the east, and Monroe Drive to the south. The park is named after the year 2000, the first full year of the 21st century.
- See a show at the Harris Theater
The Harris Theater is a 1,200-seat performing arts venue located in Millennium Park. It opened in 2003 and is operated by the nonprofit Harris Theater Company. The theater hosts Broadway shows, concerts, dance performances, film screenings, comedy shows, lectures, and other events.
- Eat lunch at Cafe 222
Cafe 222 is a restaurant located inside the Harris Theater. It serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and late night food options. The menu includes items like salads, sandwiches, soups, appetizers, pasta dishes, burgers, wraps, flatbread pizzas, steaks, seafood, and desserts.
- Watch a movie at the Music Box Theatre
The Music Box Theatre is a movie theatre located in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood. Opened in 1927, the building was designed by architect John Wellborn Root Jr., and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The theater is best known for being the site of the premiere of Citizen Kane (1941), which won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
- Take a tour of Navy Pier
Navy Pier is a pier along Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois. The pier stretches approximately 2 miles long and is connected to the city’s downtown area. The pier houses restaurants, shops, attractions, and a museum.
- Buy souvenirs for your friends
Friends are important to everyone; they help us socialize and make decisions. Most people find it difficult to connect with new friends, but buying gifts for existing friends is much easier. Many people find it difficult to decide what to buy for friends, so this list includes suggestions for unique and inexpensive souvenirs.
When buying souvenirs for friends, consider their interests and hobbies. The best things to buy as a souvenir on Veterans Day are challenge coins.
Army challenge coins and Navy challenge Coins became popular among patrol officers and government agencies whether you’re looking to reward your friend or give it as a souvenir.
From where should you buy the best challenge Coins?
GS-JJ.com is one of the largest and most popular platforms for customizing promotional gifts.
For over 20 years, they have been manufacturing promotional gifts and merchandise for distributors, franchise operators, and high-end customers. Their goal is to be the best in the business every day.
Customize great souvenirs for Veterans Day
Gs-jj offers great souvenirs for Veterans Day you can get your customized firefighter challenge coins, Navy challenge Coins, and police challenge coins after payment have been made in two weeks the coins will be complete they ship all orders to the US and Canada with free Next Day Air shipping once you get your coin. Just be sure that your gift complements your friend’s tastes and preferences.
If you’re looking for meaningful souvenirs to commemorate Veterans Day in Chicago, consider the option of challenge coins for cheap. You can explore affordable and well-crafted options on this page, allowing you to honor veterans without breaking the bank.
Bottomline
Veterans Day is a good opportunity to raise awareness about veteran suicide prevention programs in your area. Many vets struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after serving their country.
PTSD causes depression and suicidal thoughts; many healthcare providers don’t know how to help them after multiple tours of duty. However, there is help available through government programs like the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA).
If your community doesn’t have one, encourage local leaders to work towards establishing one so veterans can get the treatment they need. Anyone can make a difference by supporting our troops when they return from battle!
Chicago celebrates Veteran’s Day with a huge parade, carnival, and political gatherings to promote patriotism among its citizens. There are plenty of things individuals can do during this time as well.
Appreciating past soldiers helps us understand current conflicts better. Plus, it inspires us to do more for military members currently serving and veterans from past wars. Being aware of veteran suicide prevention programs in your area lets you show support for those who have sacrificed everything for their country.
Whether you’re traveling with a large group of friends or family members, or you’re on your own and want to take part in some of the great events happening in the city over Veterans Day weekend, finding a reliable and dependable Chicago charter bus service is crucial to making your trip as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
