Updated May 16, 2013: Memorial Day quickly is approaching and the deadline has past for entries to register for the city’s annual Memorial Day Parade on Mon., May 27. According the organizer Emily Binder who set the order of the line up, Gold Star families riding in vintage vehicles and 19 marching bands will among 88 entries in the 2013 parade as it winds through downtown Naperville.
Organized by a parade committee comprised of members of the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, American Legion Post 43, the Naperville Municipal Band, Naperville Police and Fire Departments and other volunteers, the Naperville tradition attracts tens of thousands to downtown Naperville to pay tribute to every family that has sacrificed for our nation’s freedom.
To accommodate veterans groups, marching bands and other patriotic entries, a new website was launched for parade registration with complete instructions, providing parade participants with pertinent information regarding the focus on veterans and military families that have given the supreme sacrifice for our nation. Parents are reminded to tell youngsters that the Memorial Day Parade is the one without candy and hand-outs. Dress in patriotic colors, wear a red artificial Buddy Poppy and be prepared to stand when families of the military and veterans march.
As is tradition, beginning at 10:30AM Mon., May 27, the 2013 Memorial Day Parade officially steps off from Jackson and West St., heads east to Washington, north to Benton, and east to Ss. Peter and Paul parking lot. Immediately following the conclusion of the colorful and spirited parade just after noon, an observance with patriotic messages from guest speakers and musical tributes performed by the Naperville Municipal Band is held in Central Park at the Community Concert Center.
This year the Young Naperville Singers will add their lovely voices to the program dedicated to remembering, expressing gratitude and honoring our nation’s heroes. The annual observance in Central Park runs about 45 minutes.
Other observances are scheduled before the parade at local cemeteries and monuments as well as after the observance in Central Park, too.
For information that might be of interest for the 2014 Memorial Day Parade, visit www.napervillememorialdayparade.com.
For updates about remembrances and other activities planned Memorial Day weekend, be sure to visit PN’s events calendar at www.events.positivelynaperville.com.
