Overcast skies and temperatures in the mid-60s greeted thousands of parade goers along Jackson Ave. and Washington St. in downtown Naperville for its annual Memorial Day Parade Monday morning.
With 88 entries that included vintage cars to carry Gold Star families and veterans as well as 19 marching bands playing patriotic music, parade organizers also welcomed two units featuring veterans on motorcycles. The American Legion Post Riders, recently organized in Naperville, joined the American Veteran Motorcycle Riders Association for a first-time presence in the parade to pay respects to fallen heroes.
In addition to the Naperville Municipal Band and marching bands from local high schools and middle schools, the U.S. Navy Band Midwest and the 85th Army Band from Arlington Heights provided toe-tapping patriotic melodies.
Hundreds of families were seated along the parade route. One father was overheard reminding his two young daughters to stand every time a car carrying a Gold Star family or a veteran went past.
A “Gold Star” family refers to a mother, father, wife, husband, fiancé, grandparent, sibling, cousin, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or any family member who has lost a loved one in war.
Local historian and Vietnam veteran Steve Hyett served as commentator for NCTV-17 while the local community television station broadcast the parade live for viewers with access to cable TV.
Hyett’s running commentary included notes about the origins of Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day when the observance was held on May 30.
Americans have been honoring the dead since the end of the Civil War, Hyett said.
General John A. Logan was the commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, the organization of Union Veterans, and Logan issued his request for Decoration Day in 1868 to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War.
Known officially as Memorial Day since 1967, observances feature wreath-laying ceremonies to remember all individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice serving in any of the five branches of America’s military.
Two children anticipated the end of the parade when there was a break between two entries.
“I know the parade isn’t over yet,” said the young boy. “It always ends with a big fire engine and it hasn’t come yet.”
Click any photo to enlarge.
[justified_image_grid row_height=200 caption_field=title caption=off overlay=off lightbox=prettyphoto lightbox_max_size=full last_row=hide]
Observance in Central Park
Immediately following the colorful parade, an observance was held in Central Park. Musical tributes were performed by the Young Naperville Singers, the Naperville Municipal Band and the Firefighters Highland Guard.
Mindful of Gold Star and Blue Star families for their support of our nation’s military, thoughts expressed by this year’s Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshall seemed particularly relevant.
Parade Grand Marshall Col. Frank Baleskie, USMC Retired, provided brief remarks while his wife sat next to him on the stage and his three sons, all members of the USMC, sat dressed in uniform in the front row of the audience.
“Being a parent puts a whole new perspective on going in harms way,” said Col. Baleskie, after he described the emotional setting when his oldest son informed the family of his decision to enlist in the Marines.
“Hats off to my wife,” added Col. Baleskie.
Wreaths were laid at the Black Hawk War Memorial by American Legion Post 43 Commander Terry Jelinek and Judd Kendall VFW Post Commander Nina Petru.
Memorial Day & Buddy Poppy Week
Beginning with its traditional observance at 8AM at the Naperville Municipal Center, veterans from the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 and the American Legion Post 43 visited cemeteries and memorials prior to the parade, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Earlier in the week, many volunteers placed American flags on veterans’ graves.
This past week also has been a time for veterans to distribute Buddy Poppies, accepting donations for disabled veterans and their families.
Patriotism that is showcased on Memorial Day during the annual parade and the observance in Central Park is Naperville’s way to ensure that future generations of Americans will never forget the ultimate sacrifices of this nation’s brave and dedicated military.
The 2013 Memorial Day Parade Committee was led by Navy veteran Terry Jelinek, Commander of the American Legion Post 43. Emily Binder again created the web registration and organized the units in the parade. The all-volunteer parade committee is comprised of members of the local veterans organizations, service clubs, the Naperville Police Department and the Naperville Fire Department. The classic cars and vintage vehicles for veterans are organized by Stu Carstens.
The City of Naperville continues to support and be blessed with an abundance can-do American spirit that shines during traditions such as its Memorial Day observances, Exchange Club Ribfest in conjunction with Independence Day and Jaycees Last Fling and Parade held over Labor Day weekend.
The Naperville Municipal Band 10-concert summer season begins at 7:30PM Thurs., June 6, featuring a special Independence Day Concert at 7PM Thurs., July 4.
See the Memorial Day Parade at 7PM May 27 on NCTV-17
Naperville’s Memorial Day Parade will be rebroadcast on cable Channel 17 at 7PM Sun., May 27.
