CHICAGO — Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) today commemorated the fallen heroes and Gold Star family members who have lost a loved one in the United States Armed Forces to combat operations or while on active duty at Chicago’s 2022 Memorial Day Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony. The Wreath Laying Ceremony began at 11 a.m. on Daley Plaza and featured remarks from Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, U.S. Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, and Parade Grand Marshal Lt. General Michael A. Loh with several Military and elected officials present as special guests. The ceremony was emceed by ABC7 News Anchor Stacey Baca with the National Anthem performed by Cadet Sergeant First Class Jennifer Bates of Morgan Park HS JROTC. The Presentation and Retiring of the Colors was presented by Rickover Naval Academy High School, Joint Service Color Guard. 

"Memorial Day is an important opportunity for us to reflect on the sacrifices that our brave military men and women have made for our country and to support their loved ones," said Mayor Lightfoot. "It is a privilege to commemorate our Gold Star Families and honor the heroes of past and present who put service above self in the name of our freedom." 

An Invocation was given by Commander John Carter, Chaplain of the United States Navy. Jim Frazier — father of Staff Sgt. Jacob L. Frazier, Illinois Air National Guard, U.S. Air Force, who was killed March 29, 2003 — lead a special Gold Star Flag presentation honoring those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Kate Mueller of Chicago Children’s Choir and DePaul College Prep sang a moving rendition of “God Bless America,” which was followed by a 21 Gun Salute by the 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Illinois Army National Guard. 

Thousands were in attendance for the parade, which kicked off at noon and proceeded south on State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street with Lieutenant General Michael A. Loh, Director of Air National Guard for the United States Air Force serving as Grand Marshal. 

City of Chicago Proclamation — May, 28, 2022 as “Rick Murray Day in Chicago” 

In honor of his brave service in the military and his indelible contribution to music in our city, the City of Chicago proclaimed May 28^th, 2022, as “Rick Murray Day in Chicago” during the Wreath Laying Ceremony. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Murray’s family moved to Chicago when he was three. After attending Phillips High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the first Black parachute battalion, the “Triple Nickels,” during the Korean War. After completing his service, he turned to music and quickly became known as “The Soldier’s Voice” for his rich baritone vocals, working with saxophonist Cozy Eggleston, pianist Larry Novak, and others and performing with the Sun Ra Arkestra and South Side Jazz Group.  At age 87, Murray was still performing around the city and was a fixture at Chicago’s Memorial Day Parade delighting audiences with his powerful rendition of “God Bless America.” In addition to his music, he continued to help and support veterans serving on the Memorial Day committee, the Mayor’s Advisory Council and the Disabled American Veterans Organization. Rick Murray made his final transition on November 23, 2021, and will always be remembered for his contributions to jazz music, his bravery as a soldier, and his commitment to the veterans of Chicago.  Rick Murray's daughter, Candace Price accepted the proclamation his on behalf. 

Major General John A. Logan Patriot Award 

Jean Harris, Northern Illinois Survivor Outreach Services Support Coordinator, was honored as the recipient of the Major General John A. Logan Patriot Award for her dedication, patriotism, and selfless devotion to Chicago’s citizens, veterans, and our nation’s military. Harris is a Gold Star Mom to Sgt. Joshua Harris, Illinois Army National Guard, who was killed in action Sept. 17, 2008. Ever since, she has dedicated herself to providing as much comfort and connectiveness in the military community as possible. The type of service that Harris displays constantly as a Gold Star Mother is very much in the same light as her stepson, Army Sgt. Joshua Harris, who dedicated his life to the service in hopes of making a positive impact in the world. Jean’s unfaltering commitment to connecting families and providing support to those whose sons and daughters have made the ultimate sacrifice is a beacon of light and comfort in the Gold Star Community and the Military Community as a whole. 

Cadets of the Year Award 

The mission of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) is to motivate young people to be better citizens. Each year the City of Chicago acknowledges the outstanding contributions of our cadets to our community by honoring JROTC students with the Cadet of the Year Award. Cadet Brigadier General Devyn Blake of Lane Tech College Prep JROTC and Cadet Major Daniel G. Perez of Phoenix STEM Military Academy were honored for their stellar academic records and leadership. Each cadet received a scholarship for future academic endeavors awarded by Tom Day and his organization Bugles Across America. 

Parade Grand Marshal 

Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh is the Director, Air National Guard, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia. He is responsible for formulating, developing, and coordinating all policies, plans, and programs affecting more than 107,000 Air National Guard Airmen and civilians in more than 90 wings and 175 geographically separated units across 213 locations throughout the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. Lt. Gen. Loh is a 1984 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He served seven years on active duty as an F-16 instructor and strike pilot for U.S. Air Forces Europe and at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. He joined the Colorado Air National Guard in 1991 and has held command, staff, and supervisory positions, including group and squadron commander; Air Force Assistant to the Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command; Assistant to the Chief of Staff; and Assistant Adjutant General of Colorado for Air/Space. He has deployed multiple times to both the Pacific and Central Command regions and commanded combat operations during operations Iraqi Freedom and Provide Comfort II. Prior to his current position, he was The Adjutant General, Colorado National Guard. 

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events 

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, independent working artists, and for-profit arts businesses; providing a framework to guide the City’s future cultural and economic growth via the Chicago Cultural Plan; marketing the City’s cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and presenting high-quality, free and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors. Visit chicago.gov/dcase. 

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