Numerous events will take place in the Chicago area on Monday in honor of Veterans Day for 2024, including one of the area’s largest commemoration ceremonies at Soldier Field Monday morning.

Built in 1919, the Chicago stadium was initially called Municipal Grant Park Stadium. However, on November 11, 1925, it was renamed Soldier Field, at the request of Chicago Gold Star Mothers, in honor of those who died in battle.

“Veterans Day is a time to honor the courage and sacrifice of all those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a news release about Monday’s event. “We pay tribute to veterans here in Chicago and across the country for their resilience and determination.”

According to the press release, the keynote speech at the Soldier Field event 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), the release said.

The event will also formally recognize Chicago as a Purple Heart City and join the ranks of cities across the country honoring the sacrifices of those wounded or killed in battle, the release said.

The event, which will include musical performances, ceremonial wreath laying and more, starts at 11 a.m.

Why do we celebrate Veterans Day?

The federal holiday Veterans Day falls on Monday, November 11, 2024. The day, which honors living veterans who served in the military, dates back to 1919.

The holiday grew out of the commemoration of Armistice Day, the Department of Veterans Affairs says, when fighting between the Allied countries and Germany ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It would have been the end of ‘the war to end all wars’, and always falls on November 11, no matter what day of the week that date falls.

President Woodrow Wilson opened the first celebration in 1919, with parades and a brief lull in business beginning at 11 a.m.

In 2023, the holiday fell on a Saturday, with many sightings taking place the Friday before. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, it will be celebrated on Monday.

What is open and closed on Veterans Day?

Since Veterans Day is a federal holiday, no mail will be delivered and the United States Postal Service will be closed Monday.

Likewise, many banks will be closed, as will federal courts and non-essential government offices.

In Illinois, driver’s license facilities and other Secretary of State offices will be closed. Other businesses, such as shops and supermarkets, are expected to be open, although opening hours may vary.

According to the Illinois State Board of Education, Veterans Day is not considered a “statutory school holiday.” However, the board does indicate that districts can choose to celebrate it. In those cases, the district considers it a “No Attendance” day, meaning “no students are engaged in learning as determined by the local school board.”

Other “not present” days, the board says, include Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Lincoln’s birthday, Casmir Pulaski Day and Columbus Day.

According to the Chicago Public Schools 2024-25 calendar, Veterans Day is not considered a holiday, meaning schools will remain open.

National parks free on Veterans Day

What will be open – and free to all visitors – are the National Parks. “The National Park Service invites all visitors to remember our veterans by visiting a National Park Service site for free on Veterans Day (Nov. 11),” the NPS says.

Veterans Day deals

A number of companies are offering promotions and free meals to honor those who have served the country.

Most personal discounts require proof of service, such as a military ID or veterans organization membership card. Online discounts may require registration with ID.me to authenticate the service.

Here’s a look at Veterans Day freebies and offers in the Chicago area:

Starbucks

Free large coffee for veterans, military personnel and military spouses

From Applebee’s

Veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free entrée from a special menu at Applebee’s on Monday.

BIBIBOP Asian grill

Free come with military ID.

Buffalo wild wings

All former and current service members with valid ID can receive 10 free boneless wings and fries.

Chilis

Chili’s is offering service members a free meal if they choose to dine at the restaurant. Options include soup and salad, boneless wings and more.

Dunkin’

Veterans and active duty military personnel can receive a free donut at participating Dunkin’ locations on Monday.

IHOP

The pancake house will thank veterans and active duty military members with a free stack Monday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Rainbow cone

Participating Rainbow Cone locations are offering a free classic sundae to all veterans and active military.