Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital's Veterans Day Parade honors Veterans' service and sacrifice
On Nov. 8, Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital honored Chicago-area Veterans with its first Veterans Day parade since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The parade featured many community organizations and leaders, including Honor Flight Chicago, the Medinah Shriners, the Maywood, Illinois Fire Department, Roberto Clemente High School JROTC, Prosser Career Academy JROTC Drum & Bugle, Proviso West JROTC Color Guard, Mrs. Illinois Michelle Schuster, and Bagpipes & Drums of the Emerald Society Chicago Police Department.
Following the parade, Illinois National Guard commander Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd spoke of the legacy of sacrifice and commitment left by those who served.
He also thanked Hines VA for honoring Veterans and those still serving.
"What you all do here at Hines on a day-to-day basis for our Veterans is remarkable," said Boyd. "It takes tremendous dedication from everyone at Hines to provide the extraordinary health care services to the nearly 50,000 Veterans that you serve."
Benjamin Cottotorres served with Boyd and now works at Hines VA as an environmental management supervisor. During the parade, he reflected on being among the third of Hines VA staff who also served in the U.S. military.
"I am proud to serve those who served and provide the best service I can to the entire staff here," said Cottotorres. "When I see patients, I try to bring a smile to each one's face and remind them that they are not alone."
For event organizer and Army Veteran Renee Rouse, it was an honor to not only celebrate veterans but show them the respect and gratitude they deserve.
"It was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our Veterans and people's willingness to come together to show their appreciation," said Rouse.
Hospital Director James Doelling echoed Rouse's sentiment.
"The parade celebrated our nation's heroes for what they have done to ensure our freedoms," said Doelling. "Their service and sacrifice should never go unnoticed."