Chicago hosts memorial after Joliet resident, Sergeant Jose Duenez Jr., along with 3 other US soldiers, tragically passed away in Lithuania training incident

CHICAGO (WLS) — A vigil Thursday in Chicago honored a Joliet soldier killed in Lithuania.

Sergeant Jose Duenez Jr. from Joliet was among the soldiers who tragically lost their lives in Lithuania during a training accident. The fatal incident occurred when their vehicle got submerged in a bog.

All of them were honored Thursday in a national remembrance in Lithuania.

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Chicago remembered Thursday night the ultimate sacrifice made by four American soldiers.

The Consul General of Lithuania in Chicago, Regimantas Jablonskas, expressed deep sorrow over the event, stating, “This tragic incident has shaken us all to the depths of our hearts reminding us of the risks and challenges that our brave soldiers face in their pursuit of security and peace.”

Members of Chicago’s Lithuanian community, along with the Consulate General of the Republic of Lithuania in Chicago, came together at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial downtown to pay tribute to the four soldiers, including Duenez Jr., who lost their lives.

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Outside the U.S. embassy in Lithuania, there is a growing memorial full of tributes to the American soldiers.

“The protection of Lithuania’s freedom is very important to us and that was exhibited by the funeral parade in Lithuania where thousands of people lined the streets,” organizer Jon Platakis said.

Illinois lawmakers are also sharing their condolences.

Senator Dick Durbin said in a statement, “The loss of four American service members in Lithuania during a training exercise is nothing short of heartbreaking. We must never forget their dedication to serving this country and the NATO alliance.”

Also, Senator Tammy Duckworth said, “Our thoughts are with the Duenez family and the Joliet community as they grieve the loss of Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., a son, a husband, and a father.”

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“Their legacy will forever remain in our hearts and their commitment to the defense of freedom and peace will never be forgotten may the rest in peace,” Jablonskas said.