Navy Pier once housed a prison for draft dodgers during World War I. “Municipal Pier” was renamed “Navy Pier” in 1927 as a tribute to the Navy personnel who served in the war.During World War II, the U.S. Navy used the Pier as a training center for pilots. One of those pilots who qualified for military service was George H. W. Bush. (Via the Navy Pier website)
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The transition to a "destination" within the city is a tribute to the history of the area, while giving honor to those who served from there. My father was one of those, shipping out to Vietnam as a Naval Reservist, and skipping his High-School graduation.
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