Retired Major General William J. Walker to deliver keynote address

CHICAGO – Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs, and the City of Chicago will host its annual Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony on November 11, 2024 at Soldier Field, to honor the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. military across various generations. The ceremony will be held inside the United Club on the 1st floor of Soldier Field, 1410 S. Special Olympics Drive, beginning at 11 a.m. (Doors open at 10 a.m., enter at Gate 0.)

“Veterans Day is a revered time to honor the courage and sacrifice of all those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “We pay tribute to veterans right here in Chicago and across the country for their resilience and resolve. As a city, we are committed to not only recognizing their service, but also providing the support and opportunities that they and their families deserve.”

The event will include special tributes to veterans from multiple past conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and Post-9/11 conflicts. In addition, Chicago will be officially recognized as a Purple Heart City, further underscoring the city’s deep commitment to honoring military service and sacrifice. The Veterans Day ceremony will bring together veterans from each of these historic conflicts, some of whom will be present on stage and in the audience. Each of these veterans carries a unique story of courage and resilience, adding powerful personal narratives to the day’s commemoration.

The keynote address will be delivered by The Honorable William J. Walker, the 38th Sergeant at Arms of the U.S. House of Representatives during the 117th Congress. Previously, General Walker served as the 23rd Commanding General of the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG).

On this Veterans Day, Chicago will be formally recognized as a Purple Heart City, joining the ranks of cities across the country that honor the sacrifices of those who have been wounded or killed in combat. Chicago’s designation as a Purple Heart City is a testament to the city’s unwavering support for veterans and their families.

The ceremony will also feature musical performances, a ceremonial wreath-laying, and personal stories of heroism and sacrifice. The event aims to provide a space for the community to come together, reflect on the service of our nation’s veterans, and ensure their stories continue to inspire future generations. WWII vehicles and a Civil War canon will also be on display.

Business attire or service dress uniform is requested. Complimentary parking is available at the Waldron Deck Parking Structure; exit at 18th Street from DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The event is open to the public and free to attend.

Keynote Speaker
The Honorable William J. Walker served as the 38th Sergeant at Arms of the U.S. House of Representatives for the 117th Congress. Walker is a native of Chicago, where he was born and raised. He attended St. Sabina private Catholic grammar school as a youth and graduated from Leo Catholic High School. Walker attended the University of Illinois at Chicago where he earned a bachelor of arts degree. He then attended Chicago State University, where he earned his master of science degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections.

Previously, General Walker served as the 23rd Commanding General of the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG). He ensured Army and Air Force units were manned, trained, and equipped for war or any emergency including military support to civil authorities. General Walker led National Guard support to the U.S. Capitol Police following the January 6, 2021, attack of the Capitol, and subsequently commanded over 28,000 Guardsmen supporting the Secret Service for the 59th Presidential inauguration.

As Commanding General, he also directed National Guard support to the Secret Service, the U.S. Park Police and the Metropolitan Police during the riots of 2020 following the murder of George Floyd. General Walker served as Chairman of the National Guard Bureau (NGB), Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) program from 2018 to 2021. He provided strategic advice to the NGB Chief on the management of DEI initiatives and equal opportunity plans to build trust, achieve mission readiness and demonstrate National Guard commitment to an inclusive culture that represents the diversity of our Nation. General Walker is a Veteran of Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom. He simultaneously served at American Embassy, Kabul and with the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

Media Parking:
Live trucks may park on the east side of the building at Gate 16.

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Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs
The Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs (MOVA) is committed to improving the day-to-day experiences of our 65 thousand veterans and their family members who call Chicago home, including thousands of additional service members currently stationed in Chicago. MOVA is dedicated to supporting Chicago's diverse veteran community through increased collaboration with local organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector and is supported by the Advisory Council on Veteran Affairs (ACVA), a 21-member council comprising subject matter experts, one of five advisory councils to the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR).

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city—to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city—serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.