SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker and other state leaders honored veterans during a ceremony at Soldier Field Monday morning. Pritzker said he takes great pride in having so many veterans across the state.

Illinois leaders said veterans made sacrifices to bring safety, security, comfort and prosperity to every community.

"Though you never shared a barracks or bunker between older and younger soldiers, you fought under the same flag and as part of the same project to maintain the freedom, peace and prosperity that every American ought to strive for," Pritzker said.

The governor said he is grateful for every veteran’s service to the country and in their communities. Pritzker said Illinois and the nation will also never forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

"We must exhibit the values and strive for the ideals that our veterans have stood for," Pritzker said. "As you all did, we must keep the promise of America."

Sen. Dick Durbin said Americans should stand up and honor veterans every day. He noted that men and women served to protect the United States constitution and American democracy.

"One third of the people eligible to vote did not register and vote," Durbin said. "One out of three. That does not honor veterans. We honor our veterans by using that right to vote, whatever our choice may be." 

Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson said Illinois should and can do more than salute veterans. He believes the state should lift up veterans of color who are too often forgotten.

"That’s why it is incumbent upon all of us to ensure that the opportunities that have been afforded as the right thing to do for white women and men are afforded for brown and Black women and men," Johnson said.

Pritzker said the nation and state owe every veteran an extraordinary debt of gratitude.

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