Veterans celebrated Veterans Day by joining Occupy Chicago protesters downtown to protest the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. more ›

From one veteran to another, thank you. more ›

Veterans Day is held in high regard here in the Chicagoist offices. As a veteran myself, I begin to look at how the six years I served in the Navy helped shape me into the man I am today, although I didn't think of it like that at the time I served. more ›

Originally known as Armistice Day after the First World War, and recognized as Veteran's Day in the United States, today inevitably becomes one of those sort-of holidays when the Post Office closes and the kids stay home from school. But for many Americans, at least one member of their family has served in the Armed Forces, either during peacetime or in combat. After the jump are the memories and stories of some of our family that served. Add your story of family and friends that served or are serving in the comments below. more ›

It's a gorgeous day, particularly for those of you who aren't in the office. Clear, blue skies stretch out overhead and the Sun is doing its thing, warming us up to a point of comfort with highs in the upper 50s. We know the cool, damp weather that marks typical Autumns will return soon enough so embrace this pleasant weather while you can. Lows tonight will drop into the lower 30s and skies will remain clear. more ›

We earlier gave our respects to all the Veterans out there, but thought we needed just another little...something. Every year at this time, we catch the television airing of Saving Private Ryan (it aired Sunday night on TNT), which remains one of our favorite Spielberg films (that epic opening D-Day scene is an amazing, visceral experience every time we see it). Sure, it may not be the most orthodox way of giving another salute, but even Hollywood recreations like this give us a better understanding of the sacrifice that our Vets have made for our country. The following is one our favorite scenes of the movie, capturing one of the quieter, funnier moments among the soldiers (language NSFW). more ›

Today's weather is the tried and true stuff of that late Chicago autumn period: cool, cloudy, and a mix of precipitation. Indeed, temps will hover in the mid-40s and there's 60 percent chance of a wintry mix (rain, sleet, a bit of snow). Temps will stay in the 40s and even rise at a point overnight, meaning it's all gonna turn to rain and the next couple of days look the same. And if it seems a little colder than usual for this time of year, that's because it's the earliest spell of three days or more without a high above 40 in 13 years. more ›

800 South Halsted St., Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, 11/10, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Free, Reservations recommended by calling 312.422.5580 or at events@prairie.org more ›

First things first, it is Veterans’ Day and we would like to honor those that have been, are, and will be in uniform. With the politically charged environment that surrounds us these days, it is important to note that Veterans’ Day was originally known as Armistice Day. Armistice Day, November 11, 1918, was regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” Thirty-six years later, WWII happened and the day was altered to... more ›

Forty years after their historic four-day space mission, Capt. James Lovell and Dr. Buzz Aldrin were reunited with the Gemini 12 spacecraft at the Adler Planetarium. Lovell (above, right) remarked that the capsule looks more spacious than it actually is but that it's “a good bird.” Aldrin (left) asked his old friend in jest: “are you ready to fly again?” And they exchanged a look suggesting that's not such a crazy idea. During the... more ›

Last Friday, Veterans Day, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the Chicago River between Wabash and State was dedicated and opened to the public. Chicagoist couldn't be there for the ceremony where they read the names of the 3,000 Illinois soldiers who lost their lives in the war (stupid work!), but we stopped by after work to take a look. Even though the memorial is in the heart of the city, it's very peaceful and serene. Everyone there was being respectful and quiet.. the lights were beautiful and the sound of the water, very relaxing. more ›