On May 23, Ukrainian service members and veterans joined American veterans in the Soldier Field 10 race at Chicago’s iconic Soldier Field as part of Memorial Day Weekend in the United States.
The event, which has become a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and solidarity, brought together participants from Ukraine and the United States to honor those who have served and sacrificed for their countries.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Spring Charity Foundation has had the honor of supporting the Ukrainian delegation within this important international initiative that promotes recovery, rehabilitation, international cooperation, and veteran support through sport.
This year’s Ukrainian delegation included active-duty military personnel, veterans, and representatives of partner organizations. Together with American veterans and members of Chicago’s Ukrainian community, Ukrainian defenders took part in Memorial Day Weekend events, honored the memory of fallen service members, and participated in the renowned Soldier Field 10 race.
During the official opening ceremony, the Ukrainian delegation joined the Circle of Remembrance, a memorial tribute dedicated to fallen military personnel. Event organizers also paid special tribute to five fallen Ukrainian heroes, whose names were honored before the start of the 10-mile and 10-kilometer races. One of the most meaningful moments of the ceremony was the presentation of the United States flag to retired Major General Volodymyr Havrylov as a symbol of respect for the Ukrainian people and for the service members and veterans who continue to defend freedom.
Throughout the visit, members of the delegation participated in a range of cultural, educational, and commemorative activities. These included visits to the Ukrainian National Museum, the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, the school of St. Nicholas Cathedral, and St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Bloomingdale. The delegation also took part in memorial ceremonies and a wreath-laying tribute at the grave of Hero of Ukraine Mykhailo Yavorskyi (“Chicago”).
The program also provided opportunities for connection, reflection, and community engagement. Delegates met with members of Chicago’s Ukrainian community, gathered to watch Oleksandr Usyk’s fight, shared informal conversations, and even visited the famous house featured in the film Home Alone—a stop that brought genuine smiles and memorable moments for participants.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all partners and organizers who contributed to the success of this project, including the Kyiv Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, Revived Soldiers Ukraine, Soldier Field 10, Veterans Dozen Foundation, Ukrainian Running Club Chicago, the Heritage Foundation of Pershyi Federalnyi Oshchadnyi Bank “Pevnist,” Chicago’s Ukrainian community, volunteers, families, and everyone who supported the visit.
We would also like to express our special appreciation to Infozahyst, a Ukrainian defense technology developer and project sponsor. Their support extends beyond the professional sphere and includes rehabilitation initiatives, veteran support programs, and international cooperation projects. From organizational assistance and strategic support to personal participation in the race alongside the Ukrainian delegation, their contribution played an important role in making this initiative possible.
We are grateful to Ukrainian, American, and international media outlets for highlighting the visit and sharing the stories of Ukrainian service members and veterans. It is vital that the world continues to see not only the realities of war, but also the people who defend freedom every day, rebuild their lives, and demonstrate extraordinary resilience.
We thank every Ukrainian defender for their trust, courage, and service.
Glory to Ukraine.
