City, veterans group team up to preserve memorial

By Gary Parker, The Chicago Times

May 18, 2024

CHICAGO – The City of Chicago, along with the Mayor’s Office of Veteran Affairs and the Grunt Style Foundation, announced a joint effort to preserve a memorial honoring 16 fallen soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment.

The memorial, located in Chicago’s North Park Community, was acquired by the city last year as part of a former Marine Corps training center. The statement emphasizes the city’s commitment to safeguarding its “rich heritage of military monuments.”

This initiative follows the recent restoration of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along the Chicago Riverwalk, showcasing the city’s dedication to honoring veterans’ sacrifices.

“Recognizing Chicago’s rich heritage of military monuments, our administration places great importance on maintaining and safeguarding these historic landmarks,” the Mayor’s Office said in a statement.

The collaboration extends beyond just preservation. The joint effort will also ensure public access to the memorial and explore potential new locations, such as the Lakefront or the Riverwalk, to maximize visibility.

This announcement comes amidst a recent controversy where public access to the memorial was restricted. The Grunt Style Foundation, a veteran support organization, played a key role in advocating for the memorial’s accessibility [americangrit.com].

The joint effort signifies the city’s commitment to working alongside veteran communities to honor fallen heroes and preserve their memory.