Veterans aren't forgotten at Brookfield Zoo nor Cantigny

The Brookfield Zoo and Cantigny Park are just a couple of places recognizing Veterans Day (Nov. 11) with ceremonies.

Cantigny Park and the First Division Museum will commemorate Veterans Day with a solemn Luminary Tribute that recalls the honor and sacrifice of those who died in combat while serving our country.

Approximately 2,200 luminaries will be placed on Cantigny’s Parade Field in Wheaton, each representing six 1st Infantry Division soldiers killed in action from World War I to the present. The candles will also stand in memory of the more than 650,000 men and women who gave their lives in combat since the Revolutionary War.

The Luminary Tribute will begin at sunset (approximately 6 p.m.) and conclude at 9 p.m. Admission is free and open to all. Visitors are welcome to walk through the rows of lights or observe the display from three sides on a designated driving route. The tribute will take place regardless of weather conditions. For more details, visit FirstDivisionMuseum.org or call (630) 260-8227.

To honor the men and women who have proudly served our nation, the Chicago Zoological Society will have a special Veterans Day ceremony at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Brookfield Zoo.

Zoogoers who bring an item to donate to Operation Stars and Stripes will receive free general admission to the zoo on Wednesday only. The charity is a non-profit organization that sends care packages to American military overseas.

The ceremony, which will be south of the zoo's Roosevelt Fountain, will begin with comments by Dr. Stuart Strahl, president and CEO of CZS, followed by a presentation of the Honor Guard from the VFW Post 2580 in Midlothian. Guests can take part in an on-the-ground parachute demonstration, in addition to Leah, the zoo's bald eagle, and Dakota, a red-tailed hawk, will be making appearances with zookeepers for a special Zoo Chat.

Active, reserve and retired members of the Armed Forces with a valid military ID present get free general admission into the zoo. For more information, go to www.CZS.org.

Know any more Veterans Day events? Please feel free to list them in our comments section.