For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                              October 26, 2009

Media Contact:

Cindy Gatziolis
(312)744-0573
cgatziolis@cityofchicago.org

Chicago Commemorates Veterans Day at Soldier Field

The City of Chicago will host a Veterans Day Commemoration at Soldier Field on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 11 a.m. The public ceremony takes place at the Doughboy Statue located near Gate O (south end) and will feature keynote speaker Brigadier General Steven P. Huber, deputy commander of the Illinois Army National Guard.

General Huber joined the Illinois Army National Guard as a Private First Class in February 1979 and has held numerous command and staff positions throughout his career. In October 2009, he was appointed deputy commander after returning from a year-long tour in Afghanistan where he served as commander of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix VIII. The General has received several awards throughout his career including the Army Superior Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal and the Bronze Star Medal.

Also speaking is Army veteran, Katherine R. West. While serving her country, West was deployed for two overseas missions to Korea and Iraq. Recently diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and discharged from the Army in May 2009, West is currently pursuing a Psychology degree at DePaul University’s School for New Learning Adult Bridge New Admission Program. Her goal is to use her degree to help veterans experiencing the after effects of war as a Peer Support Specialist.

West and other veterans will also share their stories as a part of the Veterans Day Celebration with Vet Art Project hosted by the Veterans Advocacy Group of DePaul University later that day, from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. The event will be held on the 11th Floor of the DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd. and is free and open to the public.

Performing two musical selections at the Commemoration, the National Anthem and America the Beautiful, will be the United States Naval Academy Women’s Glee Club, founded when women first entered the Naval Academy in 1976. The ensemble has performed across the nation as well as internationally, including tours to California, Hawaii, New York, Texas, Rome and London, and will be performing at the Chicago Bears game on Sunday, November 8.

The program includes a Wreath Ceremony at the Doughboy Statue to honor and remember local men and women who have served our country both in peace and in war time. The Veterans Day Commemoration is FREE and open to the public. For more information, the public can call the Mayor’s Office of Special Events (312)744-3315 or visit www.explorechicago.org/specialevents.