CHICAGO — It's been 95 years since the end of World War I, when an armistice was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Two years later, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 to be Armistice Day. In 1954, it was officially declared Veterans Day.
In Chicago, there are many ways to commemorate the service of veterans Monday, ranging from solemn ceremonies to new art exhibits.
• Mayor Rahm Emanuel will be joined by Army Gen. Robert W. Cone, commander of the Army Training and Doctrine Command, for a ceremony at 11 a.m. at Soldier Field. Representatives from all four branches of the military will lay a wreath in front of the Doughboy Statue on the north side of the stadium. Ald. James Balcer (11th), a Vietnam veteran, will lead the ceremony.
• The Chicago History Museum hosts a day-long exhibit featuring interviews with Japanese-American veterans of World War II. Interviews will be conducted hourly. The interviews coincide with the museum's American Heroes exhibit about Japanese-American soldiers' experience in the war.
• The Elks Veterans Memorial, 2750 N. Lakeview Ave., is open for just a few more days before it closes for season. Built in 1926, it features an impressively crafted dome, detailed friezes depicting battle and sacrifice, and classically inspired sculptures recognizing the service of military members.
• Union Station is hosting the Fifth Third Bank Day of Appreciation from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. It includes a fundraising drive for scholarships through the Fold of Honor Foundation; a drive to collect books to include in care packages to sent to soldiers abroad; a pop-up USO kiosk; and an appreciation rally at 1 p.m.
• The National Veterans Art Museum debuts a new exhibit called "Esprit de Corps: An Exhibition Highlighting the Spirit of Creative Resilience." It is open from 5-9 p.m. Monday at the museum, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave.
