On This Day

Veterans Day traces back to the end of World War I, when the armistice between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, according to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans Day as we know it now is a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

According to records compiled by the Office of the Adjutant General, 351,153 men from Illinois served in the U.S. Army and Navy during World War I. Over 5,000 died in service. The 33^rd Division originated in Illinois, as did the 370^th Infantry Regiment of the African-American 93^rd Division. Draftees from Illinois provided much of the original manpower for the 84^th, 86^th and 88^th Divisions. The 33^rd Division held the right flank of the U.S. First Army during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, and won important victories at Forges and along the Marne River. Major General George Bell Jr. commanded the 33^rd Division throughout the war as it served under British, French and American operational command. The 370^th Infantry Regiment fought under French command, and was decorated for actions in the Oise-Aisne Offensive and in Lorraine.

For many Illinoisans, Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, a long weekend filled with cookouts, community events and one last chance to enjoy the season. But behind the holiday is a history of American workers advocating for safer conditions, fair wages and reasonable hours – and Illinois played an important role in that story.

Labor Day traces its roots to the late 19th century, when the labor movement was growing across the country and in Illinois. It was at this time that Chicago became a focal point of the nationwide movement for an eight-hour workday, with tens of thousands of workers joining demonstrations and strikes.

In May 1894, workers at the Pullman Palace Car Company on Chicago’s South Side walked off the job after the company cut wages amid an economic downturn. The Pullman Strike and corresponding lock-out of union workers grew into a major national railroad dispute and became a defining chapter in the history of America’s labor movement, culminating in both the official declaration of Labor Day by President Grover Cleveland amid the strike and the rise of the nation’s first African American union: the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters.

The legacy of Illinois workers stretches well beyond those historic events. Generations of farmers, factory workers, teachers, tradespeople and countless others have helped build our communities and keep Illinois moving forward.

Today, Labor Day gives us an opportunity to recognize those contributions and remember the generations of workers who fought to improve workplaces for those who came after them.

On Aug. 21, 1858 over 10,000 residents gathered in Washington Square Park in Ottawa to hear Abraham Lincoln and incumbent Senator Stephen Douglas debate as they ran against each other to represent Illinois in the U.S. Senate.

There were no seats and the crowd was so boisterous that the debate was delayed by half an hour.

On July 25 and 26 in 1877, 149 years ago, over 10,000 immigrant laborers on strike clashed with law enforcement officials, including federal troops and state police, during the Battle of the Viaduct.

Also known as the Battle of the Halsted, the Battle of the Viaduct was one of the bloodiest labor uprisings in Chicago history. In 1877, railroad pay cuts triggered the strike that saw meatpacking workers and switchmen walking away from their jobs and marching through immigrant neighborhoods in solidarity. The conflict was part of the larger, nationwide Great Railroad Strike and was a turning point for the future of organized labor.

Each April, Earth Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the natural beauty that surrounds us and the steps we can take to preserve it. In Illinois, that beauty stretches from rolling prairies and winding rivers to dense forests and peaceful wetlands—each playing a vital role in the state’s environment and way of life.

Illinois is home to a diverse range of landscapes that support wildlife, recreation, and agriculture. Places like Starved Rock State Park and Shawnee National Forest offer breathtaking views and miles of trails, while restored areas like Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie help preserve the state’s native prairie ecosystem. These spaces not only provide a place to explore, but also serve as reminders of Illinois’ deep connection to the land.

Conservation efforts across the state continue to protect these natural resources for future generations. From prairie restoration and pollinator programs to improving water quality in Illinois rivers and lakes, organizations and communities are working together to maintain a healthy environment. These efforts support everything from local wildlife habitats to the agricultural systems that help feed the nation.

Earth Day is also a chance for Illinoisans to get involved. Whether it’s visiting a local park, participating in a community cleanup, planting native flowers, or simply spending time outdoors, small actions can make a meaningful difference. Across the state, communities come together each spring to celebrate and care for the places they call home.

As the seasons begin to change and Illinois comes back to life after winter, Earth Day reminds us of the importance of protecting the landscapes that define our state. By appreciating and caring for these natural spaces, we can ensure they remain a source of beauty, recreation, and pride for years to come.