Naperville is well prepared when it comes time for Memorial Day, with several observances, ceremonies and a parade planned to remember America’s fallen service members and the freedoms they’ve preserved.
Check out these ways to honor the occasion before Memorial Day is here May 25.
‘BUDDY POPPIES’
VFW Buddy Poppy Days kick off Memorial Day observances with the distribution of decorative poppies taking place through Sunday at donation sites throughout the city. Since World War I, the poppy has served as a symbol of remembrance for military personnel who have died while serving.
Veterans from Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, Naperville American Legion Post 43 and community volunteers will be handing out poppies for donors to wear proudly, especially on Memorial Day, organizers say.
MORNING CEREMONIES
Naperville-area veterans are set to participate in five short morning services on Monday. They are scheduled for:
- 7:45 a.m. at the Cmdr. Dan Shanower Sept. 11 Memorial behind the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.;
- 8:15 a.m. at the G.A.R. Monument on the south side of Naperville Cemetery, 705 S. Washington St.;
- 8:35 a.m. at the Gold Star Families Memorial at Veterans Park, 100 E. Gartner Road;
- 9 a.m. at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery, 911 North Ave.;
- 9:25 a.m. at Burlington Square, 307 N. Ellsworth St.
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
A reflective procession without candy or handouts — “no flyers, no politics, no nothing,” as Stephanie Penick of the Memorial Day observance committee describes it — steps off at 10:30 a.m. on Jackson Avenue near West Street.
The parade will continue along Jackson, turning north on Washington Street and east on Benton Avenue to conclude in Central Park.
Lee Jaime, chairman of the Memorial Day observance committee, said the parade is a tradition that dates back nearly 100 years, and this year will include the Naperville Municipal Band, marching bands from Naperville-area middle and high schools and the 50-Flag Unit and Navy Band from Naval Station Great Lakes.
Former Naperville City Council member Paul Hinterlong has coordinated rides in vintage vehicles for veterans unable to walk the route. Naperville Trolley also will be driving in the parade, carrying veterans inside.
CENTRAL PARK OBSERVANCE
When the Memorial Day parade wraps up, participants and observers will find themselves in Central Park, where a ceremony is to begin about noon. Organizers say this provides a great opportunity to reflect on the service of the fallen, with musical performances and a wreath-laying.
An award-winning orator — Naperville North High School student Chaithrika Sripathi — will present a speech titled, “The Key to our Future: Amending the Constitution.” It is the same speech that helped her win the Illinois American Legion Oratory contest.
“It’s a wonderful program in Central Park,” Penick said. “It very much helps everyone who’s there remember what the day is all about.”
EVENTS NEAR NAPERVILLE
DuPage County Remembrance: DuPage’s Memorial Day service is planned for 2 p.m. Sunday at the Veterans Memorial on the county campus at 115 N. County Farm Road in Wheaton. In case of inclement weather, the event will move to the first floor of the Knuepfer Administration Building at 421 N. County Farm Road.
Lisle Memorial Day Parade: A solemn parade is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Lisle Junior High School, 5207 Center Ave., heading to the Lisle Veterans Memorial at 4721 Center Ave. A remembrance ceremony following the parade will begin about 11 a.m.
Plainfield Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony: A parade hosted by the American Legion is scheduled to step off at 10:45 a.m. Monday from Ira Jones Middle School, 15320 W. 15320 Wallin Drive, before heading to Settlers’ Park, 24403 W. Lockport St., for a ceremony.
Woodridge Memorial Day Silent Parade: VFW Post 1578 plans to host a Silent Parade at 9 a.m., beginning at Lisle-Woodridge Fire District Station 52, 7393 Woodridge Drive, and traveling to Woodridge Memorial Park, at Center Drive and Janes Avenue, for a ceremony.
Marie Wilson is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
