Near South Side in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Tribute to Freedom and Water Wall
Soldier Field
| — | Dedicated to the Defenders of Our Liberty | — |
Photographed by Sean Flynn
1. Tribute to Freedom and Water Wall Marker
"Let every nation know whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty."
Erected 2003 by City of Chicago.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: Military. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #35 John F. Kennedy series list.
Location. 41° 51.892′ N, 87° 37.016′ W. Memorial is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in the Near South Side. It is on East McFetridge Drive east of South Lake Shore Drive, on the right when traveling east. The tribute wall is in front of the north entrance to Soldier Field; the water wall leads into the stadium. Touch for map. Memorial is in this post office area: Chicago IL 60605, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this memorial is in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically,
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Special Olympics Eternal Flame of Hope (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Peoples Homeland (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Olmec Head #8 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Chicago Police Officers War Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Balbo Monument (approx. 0.3 miles away); George S. Halas (approx. 0.3 miles away); Walter Payton (approx. 0.3 miles away); (Former) Engine Company 104, Truck 31 (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Christopher Columbus (was approx. ¼ mile away but has been permanently removed).
More about this memorial. This bronze bas-relief was designed by the husband-and-wife artist duo Anna Koh Varilla and Jeffrey Hanson Varilla, depicting military service members and their families relaxing along Chicago’s lakefront. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley dedicated it on Veterans Day
Photographed by Sean Flynn, October 7, 2023
2. Tribute to Freedom: John F. Kennedy quote
The Varillas also sculpted the bronze medallions, symbolizing each of the branches of the Armed Services, that are mounted on the nearby granite water wall that leads into the north entrance of Soldier Field.
Soldier Field opened in 1924 and was for a short time was known as Grant Park Stadium. On Armistice Day 1925, it was renamed in honor of the soldiers of World War I.
Also see . . . Tribute to Freedom and Water Wall (Chicago Park District). (Submitted on October 12, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean Flynn
3. Soldier Field Water Wall
Medallions for each of the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces are attached to the granite wall leading into the stadium, the home of the Chicago Bears football team.
Photographed by Sean Flynn, October 7, 2023
4. Soldier Field Water Wall
Looking north from the stadium, towards the Field Museum
Photographed by Sean Flynn, October 7, 2023
5. Artists Anna Koh Varilla and Jeffrey Hanson Varilla
Credits. This page was last revised on January 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 311 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 12, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
