memorial
day
What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.
Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL who served - in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty.
Volunteers Needed
Yes, we will again be placing Flags on our Veterans Gravesites prior to Memorial Day in Honor of their Service to our Country. We will on Thursday, May 27th. On that day we go to all our smaller cemeteries in the Naperville area and to our various Memorials. We will only need 5-6 helpers. If you can assist, please plan to meet at the VFW by 8:30am and we will proceed first to Big Woods and then to the rest.
​
On Friday, please plan to be at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery no later than 9am so we can render honors to those Veterans interred at that Cemetery. Then on Saturday, please plan to be at Naperville Cemetery by 9am so we can proceed with the flag placement there. We will do this rain or shine and can always use help.
​
We currently have approximately 3,000 gravesites to place a flag. Thanks to Jim Hoch, all our Veteran Gravesites have been identified and are compiled by Cemetery Section’s, so they are easy to use and to locate.
​
Then on Tuesday, June 1st , starting no later than 9am, we will be picking up all the flags starting at St. Peter and Paul and then to Naperville Cemetery. Please be sure to honor the Covid-19 Restrictions as we will be working in small groups as in the past.
​
Thanks-Wayne
HONORING
OUR FALLEN VETERANS FOR MEMORIAL DAY
May 31, 2021
SCHEDULE
Given the impact of the Covid-19 Virus, we will be holding a scaled down version for this year’s Memorial Day Parade. Marching participants will be limited to Veterans, including our Combined Post Color Guard and Honor Guard, Our Legion Riders and Scouts. We have asked our Scouts to carry the “13 Banners of our Naperville Fallen”. As far as School Bands, we are planning for up to 5 bands that will be positioned along Jackson Street and will musically honor our Veterans and our Naperville Fallen as they pass by.
​
We are asking all Veterans that want to be in the Parade to be at the VFW no later than 8:30am. We will have 3 Trolleys there also to transport those Veterans that will need a ride. Here is the timetable and stops for the Parade and Memorial Services:
​
0900 Parade begins at the VFW on Jackson
​
0915 Arrival at Dandelion Fountain for the 1st Memorial Service. Once that is done, we will walk over to the Shanower Memorial.
0940 Memorial Service at the Shanower Memorial.
​
0950-1130 Depart to Naperville Cemetery; Veterans Park; St. Peter and Paul Cemetery; The Doughboy and Sailor Memorial; Arrive at Central Park for the Concert.
​
1200 Memorial Day Ceremony and Service
​
1300 Luncheon at the VFW for Parade Participants
