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On May 17th, 2024 the Grunt Style Foundation, local veterans of 2nd Battalion 24th Marine Regiment and their families gathered at their Marine Regiment memorial located in North Park Chicago. The large group gathered not only to honor the brave Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice in 2004 but also to reflect on the state of our nation. The memorial had been fenced off by the city of Chicago, once accessible to all, now stood behind closed doors—a poignant symbol of our changing times in order to provide operation space to the new migrant center.
However, Grunt Style organized a conjoined effort with local Veterans groups to voice their concerns with how the city handled the situation. This culminated in a press conference outside the facility on Friday, May 17th, 2024.
As the event started, the city of Chicago released the following statement:
CHICAGO - The City of Chicago, in collaboration with the Mayor's Advisory Council on Veteran Affairs, Grunt Style Foundation, 36th Ward Alderman Gilbert Villegas, Chair of the City Council Veteran Caucus, and 39th Ward Alderwoman Samantha Nugent, has initiated a coordinated effort to preserve the memorial dedicated to the 2nd Battalion 24th Marine Regiment honoring 16 service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Acquired by Chicago last year as part of the purchase of the former Marine Corps Training Center in the North Park Community, the Memorial holds significant historical value to our community.
Recognizing Chicago's rich heritage of military monuments, our administration places great importance on maintaining and safeguarding these historic landmarks. Earlier this year, our administration undertook the restoration of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial situated along Chicago’s Riverwalk. We are committed to collaborating closely with our veteran community to ensure the preservation and accessibility of this Memorial for public viewing. Additionally, we are exploring potential new sites, such as the Lakefront and the Riverwalk, to enhance access and visibility for all.
Community Matters
This is a massive victory for the 2nd Battalion 24th Marine Regiment and its local community. The next step is to determine a suitable location for the memorials; the Marine veterans want the city to move the memorial to a more accessible and prominent location, such as the Chicago Riverwalk, Navy Pier or Soldier Field.
The Grunt Style foundation proved once again they will not be silenced, nor will they be sidelined. Our nation's heroes deserve better, and so does the veteran community.
The Grunt Style Foundation is dedicated to taking decisive action in support of veterans and their families. Their commitment was exemplified by their pivotal role in the historic passing of the PACT Act, a significant legislative achievement that expands healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances. This success underscores the Foundation's unwavering dedication to advocating for veterans' rights and ensuring they receive the long-lasting support they deserve.
