Honoring those who serve: Chicago puts on annual Veterans Day ceremony at Soldier Field

Chicago will hold its annual Veterans Day commemoration ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, at Soldier Field, bringing veterans, military families, elected officials, and community members together to honor those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. in the first-floor United Club at 1410 S. Special Olympics Drive. Doors open at 10 a.m. at Gate 0.

Admission is free and open to the public. Organizers ask attendees to arrive by 10:30 a.m. for security screening and seating. Business attire or service dress uniform is requested, and complimentary parking will be available at the Waldron Deck parking structure.

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Keynote speaker and ceremony program

According to the press release, Walidah G. Bennett, founder and chief executive officer of DePaul University’s Multi-Faith Veterans Initiative, will deliver the keynote address. Bennett has spent more than two decades building community networks that connect veterans and military families with education, leadership opportunities and other support.

Her work is shaped by her father’s service as a Montford Point Marine and the loss of her veteran son. Through the initiative, Bennett focuses on challenges such as social isolation, moral injury, and the transition to civilian life, the press release confirmed. She also contributes to Chicago veterans advisory efforts and the Illinois Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Veteran Suicide.

The U.S. Navy Band Great Lakes will provide musical performances, while retired U.S. Army Master Sgt. Adam Shaw will serve as emcee. Ald. Gilbert Villegas, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, will give welcoming remarks. Retired U.S. Navy Seabee Chief Petty Officer Leonardo Alicea will lead the invocation and benediction.

Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle are scheduled to speak. The program also includes a wreath-laying ceremony and recognition of veterans and military representatives, including Ald. William “Bill” Conway, Sgt. Maj. Janet Sandoval, Rocio Varela, and Lourdes Fernando.

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Resource fair will connect families with services

A veterans resource fair will run from 10 a.m. to noon. Participating organizations and offices include the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs, Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs, Chicago Veterans, and the Cook County Clerk’s Office.

The event is produced by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events in coordination with the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs. City officials said the gathering will recognize veterans’ service while connecting them and their families with resources, opportunities, and long-term support.