Naperville's Memorial Day observances, parade to be held Monday

Chicago Tribune

22-05-2025

Naperville veteran organizations have planned a parade and several observances for Memorial Day to honor fallen veterans and educate the community on their sacrifices.
'The number one objective that I wish to accomplish is essentially to recognize our fallen heroes and with it to show our community, there is a sense of patriotism … regardless of what brought you to Naperville,' said Leo Jaime, chairman of the 2025 Naperville Memorial Day Committee.
Jaime, past commander of Naperville's Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, said educating today's youth on veterans' sacrifices and those of their families is another of the Memorial Day Committee's objectives.
'It's a very solemn day that needs to be … recognized as such,' he said.
Memorial Day will start off with the laying of wreaths and observances at 7:45 a.m. at the Cmdr. Dan Shanower Memorial near the Naperville Municipal Center at 400 S. Eagle St., followed by a service at 8:15 a.m. at the G.A.R. Monument in Naperville Cemetery, 705 S. Washington St.
There also will be services at 8:35 a.m. at Veterans Park, 100 E. Gartner Road; 9 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, 911 North Ave.; and 9:25 a.m. at Burlington Square, 307 N. Ellsworth St.
The annual Memorial Day parade, featuring high school and middle school marching bands, scout troops, veterans' organizations and other community groups, will step off at 10:30 a.m. from Jackson Avenue and West Street. Among those participating are the Naperville Municipal Band and the Great Lakes Naval Recruit Training Command band and drill team.
The parade will head east to Washington Street, north to Benton Avenue and east towards the Sts. Peter and Paul parking lot.
A longstanding city tradition, the event will feature more than 50 entries and is one of the only parades that doesn't include politicians or businesses, Jaime said.
Many veterans plan to march in the parade, and others will ride in vintage vehicles or on the Naperville Trolley, he said, noting that the city is home to many Korean War veterans and one veteran of World War II. The parade marshal is Craig Frier and the officer of the day is Dennis Regan.
Jaime said gatherers line the streets to watch the parade, and in some areas the crowd is ten people deep.
'It's just blocks after blocks of supporters,' he said. 'It's a pouring of support from the community.'
A Memorial Day observance will be held at noon at Central Park, featuring the laying of a wreath, a rifle salute and the performing of 'Taps,' 'Amazing Grace' and a medley of songs that recognize each of the different military branches. Brett Nila will serve as the master of ceremonies and David Buerstetta will be the chaplain.
Gold Star families also will be recognized. Naperville North High School freshman Chaithrika Sripathi will read her award-winning essay as part of the American Legion Oratorical Contest.
'It's a very nice day,' Jaime said.
Veterans organizations also ask the community participate in the National Moment of Remembrance by observing one minute of silence at 3 p.m. for the military veterans who lost their lives in service, including the 114 residents of Naperville who died while on active duty.
The events are made possible through the work of members of the American Legion Post 43, Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, Naperville Municipal Band as well as city, police and fire officials, Jaime said. Planning for Memorial Day begins in January.
'Naperville has a long tradition of supporting our veterans and their families,' he said. 'Many members of our community take this very serious event to heart and pour out of our hearts to make this happen.'
DuPage County will observe Memorial Day in a ceremony at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 25, at the Veterans Memorial outside the county's government complex, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton.
The memorial commemorates DuPage County residents who lost their lives in military conflicts at home and abroad beginning with the Black Hawk War in 1832 and continuing through the most recent engagements, a news release said.
Guests should park in the south lot of the 421 Administration Building.
The ceremony will feature the laying of the wreath by Gold Star families and a weapons salute by the DuPage Honor Guard, the release said. The DuPage Honor Guard will retire the colors.
In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the atrium of the administration building.