City of Chicago to Honor Purple Heart Veterans with Street Sign Installations at City Hall and Fort Dearborn
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago, IL - On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the City of Chicago and the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs will hold a public ceremony to honor Purple Heart Veterans and celebrate the city's official designation as a Purple Heart City. The event will take place at 9:00 a.m. and will include the installation of two Purple Heart City signs at prominent locations in the city.

The first sign will be placed in front of City Hall on LaSalle Street, while the second will be installed at the historic site of Old Fort Dearborn on Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. This designation is a significant milestone for Chicago and its commitment to honoring veterans who have been wounded or killed in combat.

Purple Heart Veterans, along with their families and friends, are expected to attend this important occasion. Among them will be Retired Lt. Col. Eldridge Johnson Jr., a Purple Heart recipient and the first African American pilot in the Illinois National Guard. Lt. Col. Johnson played a crucial role in advocating for this designation and continues to be a passionate advocate for veteran recognition.

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Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed his pride in standing with veterans, especially those who have received the Purple Heart medal for their sacrifices during war. He stated that this designation goes beyond symbolism and is a promise to continue building a city where veterans are seen, supported, and honored for their service.

Kevin Barszcz, Director of the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs, also emphasized the significance of this designation. He shared that since World War I, over 30,000 Illinois service members have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, including his own uncle who was killed in action during the Korean War. Thousands more returned home with physical or emotional wounds that they still carry today.

The official designation of Chicago as a Purple Heart City was made on October 30, 2024 when the City Council unanimously passed a resolution sponsored by Alderman Gilbert Villegas and members of the City Council's Veterans Caucus. The resolution was signed by Mayor Brandon Johnson and reflects the city's unwavering commitment to honoring the service and sacrifice of those who were wounded or killed in combat.

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Alderman Villegas, who played a key role in this designation, stated that it is a powerful gesture of respect and remembrance. He believes that it shows the city's deep appreciation for those who have endured unimaginable hardships and ensures that their sacrifices are visible and honored in the heart of Chicago.

The Purple Heart City designation is part of a national initiative led by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, a veteran service organization dedicated to recognizing U.S. military personnel wounded or killed in combat. This program highlights municipalities that demonstrate ongoing support and appreciation for Purple Heart recipients and their families.

The City of Chicago welcomes all Purple Heart Veterans, their families, and the general public to attend this solemn and meaningful ceremony. It is an opportunity to pay tribute to those who have served our country with bravery and honor.

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