Pam Durak, veterans' liaison for VITAS Innovative Hospice Care, presents a medallion to U.S. Army veteran Robert Hestroffer, 64, of Chicago's Mount Greenwood community at the Salute to Our Armed Forces in Alsip. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun Times Media

Medallions and certificates line the head table at the second annual Salute to Our Armed Forces at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago — Alsip on Oct. 2. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun Times Media

Cook County Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy congratulates U.S. Army veteran Bob Silverman, 88, of Homewood, on his service to the country at the second annual Salute to Our Armed Forces. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun Times Media

Brian McKee (left) and Joseph McKee (right) from the Chicago Caledonian Pipes and Drums play during a tribute to the POW/MIA table at the second annual Salute to Our Armed Forces. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun Times Media

Hats representing branches of the military services sit alone on the POW/MIA table at the second annual Salute to Our Armed Forces. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun Times Media

Brian McKee (left) and Joseph McKee (right) from the Chicago Caledonian Pipes and Drums play during a tribute at the second annual Salute to Our Armed Forces. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun Times Media

U.S. Army veteran Bob Silverman, 88, of Homewood, salutes the colors at the second annual Salute to Our Armed Forces at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago — Alsip. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun Times Media

Pam Durak, veterans liaison for VITAS Innovative Hospice Care, presents a medallion and congratulates U.S. Marine Corps veteran Tom Hickey, 86, of Manteno, on his service to the country at the Salute to Our Armed Forces. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun Times Media

Beatrice Yavenue, of Thornton, proudly looks on as her husband, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Richard Yavenue, 87, receives congratulations on his service to the country at the second annual Salute to Our Armed Forces. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun Times Media

Guest speaker Reginald L. Booker salutes the veterans at the second annual Salute to Our Armed Forces at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago — Alsip on Oct. 2, 2012 | Joseph P. Meier~Sun Times Media