Chicagoans celebrate Memorial Day - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

The holiday weekend is here and Chicagoans are out enjoying the picture perfect weather at the beach and along the parade route – an opportunity to remind people just what Memorial Day is all about.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CIA Director David Petraeus kicked off the celebration Saturday morning on State Street.

According to Petraeus, "Today citizens of Chicago and other residents of the great state of Illinois should be very proud of their effort to honor those who have fallen, to remember their sacrifices and those of their loved ones and to take pride in the hard won liberties and freedoms that we treasure so dearly and have fought to preserve."

Before joining the CIA, Petraeus was the top U.S. military commander in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He and Mayor Emanuel cheered, along with hundreds, as veterans and current military members marched along.

What started in Daley Plaza filled the streets of Downtown Chicago on a weekend where the country salutes all military branches and those who've made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

At a wreath laying ceremony before the parade, an alderman said it best - last week NATO protesters were able to rally because of the service and sacrifice of those who serve, protect and fight for freedom.

According to Emanuel, "The last year in the country we've had a debate about what the one percent is... it's not those defined by financial success. The one percent in my view is defined by those who have sacrificed and have served their nation."