2026 Valentine's Day Event
Presented by Landmarks Illinois Skyline Council & community partners
The Skyline Council of Landmarks Illinois asks you to help bring attention to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Vietnam Veterans Memorial Mural in Chicago! Skyline Council members will join the Calumet Area Industrial Commission, American Legion South Deering Post #1238 and 10th Ward Ald. Peter Chico’s office to decorate the site of the historic and culturally significant mural with paper hearts, signs and other public displays of affection on Valentine’s Day.
When
Saturday, February 14, 2026
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where
Our Lady of Guadalupe Vietnam Veterans Memorial Mural
3200 E. 91st St., Chicago IL
No registration necessary. This is a free event
(Click here for a Spanish version of our event flyer)
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Each year for Valentine’s Day, the Skyline Council teams up with a local community to bring attention to significant places threatened with demolition or are in need of preservation resources.
The Our Lady of Guadalupe Vietnam Veterans Memorial Mural was dedicated in 1970 to honor the sacrifices of veterans. The mural features portraits of 12 young men from the church parish, along with the names of many other men who sacrificed their lives during the Vietnam War. The mural also features an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and a poem, “Remembrance and Acceptance” by V.C. and M.V.E. (1990). The mural highlights the deep connection between Mexican American culture and military sacrifice and remains an important gathering place for South Chicago families to honor the lives of loved ones.
After more than 50 years of environmental exposure, the building’s masonry and the mural require maintenance. Latinos in Heritage Conservation named it one of its 2025 Endangered Latinx Landmarks. The American Legion South Deering Post 1238 has led fundraising efforts to restore the mural, with support from local partners including the Calumet Area Industrial Commission and Alderman Peter Chico’s office (10th Ward).
The groups aim to raise $100,000 for the mural restoration after masonry repairs on the building are completed. Landmarks Illinois has awarded the Calumet Area Industrial Commission $10,000 through the Timuel D. Black Grant Fund for Chicago’s South Side to aid in these efforts.
more event details
All are welcome to join us at this free, family-friendly event! Join us first at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church (3200 E. 91st St. in Chicago) to make valentines for the mural. Coffee, treats and art supplies will be provided by Landmarks Illinois. We will then walk across the street to the mural to decorate the site and take a group photo.
Interested in donating? Please use the American Legion’s GoFundMe page to learn how!
