Final day of Marine Week Chicago 2025 wraps up as US Marine Corps celebrates 250 years of service
CHICAGO (WLS) -- On the final day of Chicago Marine Week, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, ABC7 met service members who are making Chicago proud.
"I'm living on in D.C., which is a patriotic town, but pleasantly surprised in Chicago, meeting everyone on the streets," said First Lt. Jackson Perkins.
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Perkins, an infantry officer, grew up in Barrington. He helped lead Sunday's early morning physical training along the lakefront.
"I drew a lot of inspiration from that community in joining the service, just their example of dedication to community," Perkins said.
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The Marines' stay in Chicago is a homecoming for both Jackson and Sgt. Ricardo Fernandez, who is also from Barrington.
"I've been in the Marine Corps for six years or so. So, just reconnecting with old friends is great," Fernandez said.
Both Perkins and Fernandez graduated from Barrington High School in 2017. Their paths have not crossed until now.
"It's great; I love it. I get to see old pals and seeing the community come together and support us is a great pleasure," Fernandez said.
Staff Sgt. Karl Haack is from Palos Hill. He plays the trombone in the Quantico Marine Band out of Quantico, Virginia.
"My grandfather served. My uncle served. Now, I joined, and since I've joined, I've had four cousins, who are also all Chicagoland natives, have joined the Marine Corps," Haack said.
Sunday's events included a station at Pioneer Court on the Mag Mile, where people could meet Marines, try on gear and test their strength.
ABC7's Christian Piekos cranked out some pull-ups and even tried on a bomb suit.
The events gave the Chicagoland community a chance to meet some Marines and find out what serving with them is all about.
Haack says there is just nothing like representing the U.S. Marine Corps in sweet home Chicago.
"Being able to leave for almost a decade and then come back to Chicago, it feels like coming home," Haack said.
