CHICAGO (WLS) — A vigil Thursday in Chicago honored a Joliet soldier killed in Lithuania.
Sergeant Jose Duenez Jr. of Joliet was one in every of 4 troopers killed in a coaching accident in Lithuania. They died after their automobile grew to become submerged in a bathroom.
All of them have been honored Thursday in a nationwide remembrance in Lithuania.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click on right here to observe
Chicago remembered Thursday evening the final word sacrifice made by 4 American troopers.
“This tragic incident has shaken us all to the depths of our hearts reminding us of the dangers and challenges that our courageous troopers within the pursuit of safety and peace,” stated Regimantas Jablonskas, Consul Basic of Lithuania in Chicago.
A bunch comprised of Chicago’s Lithuanian neighborhood and the Consulate Basic of the Republic and Lithuania in Chicago gathered downtown at Vietnam Veterans Memorial in honor of the 4 males who died, together with Duenez Jr.
READ MORE | 25-year-old Joliet man amongst 4 American troopers killed in coaching accident in Lithuania
Outdoors the U.S. embassy in Lithuania, there’s a rising memorial filled with tributes to the American troopers.
“The safety of Lithuania’s freedom is essential to us and that was exhibited by the funeral parade in Lithuania the place hundreds of individuals lined the streets,” organizer Jon Platakis stated.
Illinois lawmakers are additionally sharing their condolences.
Senator Dick Durbin stated in an announcement, “The lack of 4 American service members in Lithuania throughout a coaching train is nothing in need of heartbreaking. We should always remember their dedication to serving this nation and the NATO alliance.”
Additionally, Senator Tammy Duckworth stated, “Our ideas are with the Duenez household and the Joliet neighborhood as they grieve the lack of Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., a son, a husband, and a father.”
RELATED | Lithuanians bid farewell to 4 US troopers who died throughout coaching train
“Their legacy will ceaselessly stay in our hearts and their dedication to the protection of freedom and peace won’t ever be forgotten could the remaining in peace,” Jablonskas stated.
Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
