CHICAGO - Tens of thousands turned out for the City of Chicago's Memorial Day commemoration and parade on Saturday, May, 23 to honor and remember the nation's fallen service members.
Jim Frazier, Gold Star Father and representative, hosted the Gold Star Family breakfast at Macy's in downtown Chicago, with near 30 families in attendance, honoring those families that have lost a loved one during service to the nation.
Breakfast participants included Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Mayor of Chicago; former Ald. James Balcer, Chicago's 11th Ward Alderman; Brig. Gen. Alicia Tate-Nadeau, Illinois National Guard; Rear Adm. Richard Brown, U.S. Navy; Brig. Gen. Thomas Kittler, U.S. Air Force; Brig. Gen. Frederick R. Maiocco Jr., U.S. Army Reserve; Capt. Amy Cocanour, U.S. Coast Guard and Col. Jeffery Goodes, U.S. Marine Corps.
Emanuel gave remarks during the breakfast and stated that while there is a lot that he does as mayor he finds the Gold Star Family breakfast to be the most rewarding but difficult.
"While we have a lot of a heroes in our lives, I want you to know that you are our heroes on the home front -" said Emanuel. "There are no city limits when it comes to our respect - On behalf of the City of Chicago, and on behalf of the State of Illinois, and on behalf of a grateful nation you will never be far from our thoughts and our prayers."
A wreath laying ceremony was held at Richard J. Daley Center Plaza in honor of all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Balcer, ceremony emcee, shared brief remarks remembering those who died serving the nation especially Army Pfc. Aaron S. Toppen, Mokena, Illinois, native, who was killed last year while serving in Afghanistan and the six Marines including Cpl. Sara A. Medina, Aurora, Illinois native, recently killed in a helicopter crash during an earthquake relief mission in Nepal.
"We must never forget those who have died in the defense of our nation," said Balcer. "We will always, always, always remember."
During the ceremony Cadet Gregory Holmes, a member of the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program graduating from Chicago Military Academy-Bronzeville, was awarded as the cadet of the year.
"I felt that I didn't do enough to deserve [Cadet of the Year]. I was always looking out for the welfare of the cadets and following the mission of JROTC to make young people better citizens," said Holmes. "It is an honor to be up here with all of these prestigious people and receive this award."
A flag presentation was also conducted during the ceremony to the family of Toppen.
"Grief never ends, but it changes," said Frazier. "It's a passage not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness or a lack of faith. It is the price of love."
Four wreaths were laid at the Eternal Flame in the plaza: Gold Star Family, Prisoner of War/Missing in Action, Armed Forces and the United States of America.
The ceremony closed with the singing of "God Bless America," a firing of three volleys of shots, and the playing of Taps by retired Lt. Col. Doug Carmichael from Bugles Across America.
Following the ceremony, military senior leaders marched down State Street representing their service branch with Tate-Nadeau as the parade's Grand Marshall. The parade, dating back to 1870, is one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the nation according to the City of Chicago's website.
The parade consisted of 45 JROTC schools and academies, totaling more than 6,000 JROTC students marching according to retired Lt. Col. Scott Kochneiser.
Amanda Gralewski, Toppen's sister who was in attendance with her family, shared her thoughts about the ceremony there.
"It was very emotional," said Gralewski. A great way to remember not only him but everyone that sacrificed their lives. ... It's an honor. I'm so proud of them all. They'll never be forgotten, none of them."
Maiocco, commanding general for the 85th Support Command, said he felt honored to attend the Memorial Day ceremony and breakfast.
"I was enthralled with and privileged to be able to support the Gold Star families. These families have paid the ultimate price, losing a service member," said Maiocco. "What a privilege to visit with them, to encourage them and to actually receive comfort and solace myself from them."
Maiocco was captivated by Chicago's support of commemorating Memorial Day.
"Just a tremendous community outpouring of support for veterans and Gold Star families ... All of the city turned out to support our veterans," Maiocco said. "I was extraordinarily pleased with the number of youth involved in the JROTC programs throughout Chicago, and Chicago's public school support for those programs."
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