From Jackson Ave. at West Street all the way north to Washington Street at Benton, appreciative citizens of all ages, many decked out in red, white and blue, lined the parade route as a tribute to military men and women who have given the supreme sacrifice in the name of freedom.
Thanks to the City of Naperville, Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, the Americn Legion Post 43 and the Naperville Municipal Band for organizing the Memorial Day Parade, a tradition for more than 80 years.
Thanks to all young musicians, scout groups, Operation Support Our Troops America with Rockin’ for the Troops, Naperville Responds for Our Veterans, Welcome Home, Healing Field of Honor and veterans who marched in the parade.
Since 1865, the idea of a Decoration Day to honor everyone who died serving in the military during the Civil War has been growing.
By the late 1800s, cities and communities had begun to observe Memorial Day, and after World War I, it became an occasion to honor those who had died in all America’s wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Monday of May.
Memorial Day continues as a somber remembrance honoring soldiers here and abroad who have fought and died throughout the years for freedom and also the individual freedoms as recognized by the Constitution of the United States of America. Freedom isn’t free.
