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Naperville
Friday, March 29, 2024

Naperville thanks dedicated veterans who continue to serve every day

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Naperville is blessed with patriotic spirit that resonates throughout the city every day—and especially in November when the U.S. Marine Corps marks its birthday on Nov. 10, followed by Veterans Day Nov. 11.

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The annual Veterans Day remembrance is held at 11AM Nov. 11 or “11-11-11” at Veterans Park on Gartner Road. Patriotic music is performed by the Naperville Municipal Band.

To express appreciation every day, numerous places have been set aside to pause and reflect about peace, honor and sacrifice throughout the city. For instance, no matter what the season, folks can visit a number of Century Walk works of art inscribed with messages that commemorate military service.

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Pictured in the frosty snow on Nov. 12, 2013, the Exchange Club Veterans Plaza along the Riverwalk provides a place to remember with gratitude all service men, women and their families.

From the Riverwalk to Burlington Square Park, Fredenhagen Park to North Central College and Central Park to the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873/American Legion Post 43, tributes to veterans dating back to the Black Hawk War in 1832 have been dedicated to remind citizens of the precious freedoms men and women in the armed services have aimed to protect.

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Veterans Terry Jelinek and Scott Holley paused to remember Veterans Day with World War II Veteran Leo Kuefler during ceremonies at Veterans Park on Nov. 11.

Thanks to hundreds of active members of the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 and the American Legion Post 43 and other veterans’ advocacy groups, Naperville provides many ways to assist veterans’ needs that welcome public participation.

Job Fairs 

Veterans’ advocate Mike Barbour issues news about local Job Fairs as they are scheduled.

To find the job listings, go to the link and click “Chicago” Job Postings. Many upcoming job fair listings also are featured at locations throughout the United States.

For more information, contact Barbour at mbarbour@wowway.com.

Visit Hines VA Hospital

On the second Tuesday of every month from September through June, the veterans organizations provide motorcoach transportation to take fellow veterans, friends and family to visit the Spinal Chord Unit at Hines V.A. Hospital.  Veteran John Shaw arranges the monthly trips where visitors play Bingo, distribute handmade lap blankets, greeting cards and letters created by local students as well as spread cheer to veterans receiving treatment.

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During a recent visit to Hines VA Hospital, five women from Naperville visited a World War II veteran and “crowned” her on her 95th birthday.

Every December, the visit to Hines V.A. Hosptial is a time to sing holiday songs and Christmas carols with the veterans. The motorcoach departs from the Judd Kendall VFW at 6:15PM and returns by 9PM. The public is welcome to take the trip.

Yoga for Veterans

Last fall, the post began two weekly sessions of Yoga for Veterans, one on Wednesday and another on Saturday.  The hour-long morning classes are suitable for both beginners and for those with some experience. Instruction includes basic breathing exercises, foundational poses, sun salutations, and deep relaxation.  Individuals will be guided to meet needs with modifications provided as needed.

For questions or more information, contact Connected Warriors’ Illinois Regional Director, Dana Fish, at coyoteomyoga@gmail.com or (630) 418-0244 connectedwarriors.org.

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The Judd Kendall VFW Hall, located at 908 W. Jackson Ave., is a popular gathering place for veterans’ activities, Jaycees monthly meetings and other community events.

Watch for socials & fundraisers

Throughout the year, the veterans host many socials and fundraisers at the Post to build camaraderie among their growing membership and the community. Their world-renown “Kendall Cooks” display many culinary delights at monthly dinners to recognize service in the community by all ages, often with focus on youth and scholarships.

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During a light-hearted moment at the 2013 Veterans Day Dinner, Bob Bohr snapped a photo of Lee Lindberg & Kathy Rechenmacher reading Lindberg’s Pumpkin-Pecan Bar recipe printed in the November PN.

Of course, the annual Friday Night Fish Frys at the VFW during Lent have become a longstanding tradition, inviting families in the community for a value-packed dinner with a menu that changes every week.

Whether monthly meetings, blood drives, Buddy Poppy sales, turkey raffles or chili cook offs, members of the local veterans’ organizations offer many service, educational and fun activities.

For more information, visit Naperville American Legion Post 43 or Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873.

Currently, the American Legion is led by Commander Lee Lindberg and the VFW is headed by Commander Bob Bronson. Both organizations as well as the Women’s Auxiliary host meetings at the Post located at 908 W. Jackson Ave., along the Riverwalk just west of downtown Naperville.

The Post also houses a large banquet room that is available for rental by members of the community.

Cheers for Our Veterans!

Naperville Responds for Our Veterans hosts an annual autumn event to toast all veterans. The celebration also raises funds to assist veterans and their families in need by purchasing building materials and professional labor in order to coordinate the process of repairing, building and donating homes.

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Pat Bowler, Mayor George Pradel, U.S. Army Colonel James Hickey and Jeff Lincoln are pictured at Cheers 2014. Colonel Hickey, a decorated veteran who led the capture of Saddam Hussein in 2003, served as the keynote speaker.

For more information about Naperville Responds for Our Veterans and its mission, visit www.nrfov.org.

Remembering Naperville Veterans with James Hoch Photography 

“Definitely a fun time had by all,” said photographer Jim Hoch in reference to the Naperville Marines 2013 Birthday Ball to celebrate the 238th Marines Corps Birthday, held this year at the Wyndham Lisle-Chicago Hotel.

From the arrival of guests who were escorted into the ball by Marines to the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake, Hoch captured the annual event with all its pomp and circumstance. View photos that have been uploaded to jameshochphotography.smugmug.com/Military/Marine-Corps-Ball-2013.

2014 UPDATE / James Hoch Photography features Naperville Marines Ball 2014.

In addition to the Marine Ball, visitors will find photos from other Naperville traditions including 2013 Ribfest, Memorial Day and Citizens Appreciate Public Safety taken by Jim Hoch at JamesHochPhotography.

2014 UPDATE / Here is a direct link to James Hoch  photos from Veterans Day 2014 at the Judd Kendall VFW Post.

Memorial Day Parade

Save the date for the 2015 Memorial Day Parade to pay respects to fallen heroes on Mon., May 25. Click on the link for a look at the 2013 Memorial Day Parade with its many tributes and marching bands. Watch for details about participating in Naperville Memorial Day Parade after the first of the year.

Other Links for Veterans, Etc.

“Veterans Day” Archive of online stories

Naperville Loves a Parade!

Operation Support Our Troops America

Naperville Responds for Our Veterans

PN Columnist Mike Barbour

—The Editors at Positively Naperville

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PN Editor
An editor is someone who prepares content for publishing. It entered English, the American Language, via French. Its modern sense for newspapers has been around since about 1800.

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