When the Memorial Day Parade steps off in downtown Naperville at 10:30AM Mon., May 27, spectators clad in red, white and blue will line the parade route along Jackson Avenue, Washington Street and Benton Avenue. Youngsters will wave flags as families applaud to honor Gold Star families on this day when individuals who died in active military service are remembered for their sacrifice. 
In addition to the Naperville Municipal Band and high school marching bands performing rousing patriotic tunes that inspire applause and respect for the meaning of this special day, a moving museum of vintage cars and trucks will transport Gold Star families as well as military men and women who served this nation in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The beautiful antique vehicles serve to show respect and appreciation while remembering sacrifices made by fallen heroes in the name of freedom. 
Year after year, collectors of the antique vehicles and classic cars line up to give their respect to help honor Gold Star families in the Naperville Memorial Day Parade. 
For 2019, veterans representing the Navy, Army, Army K-9 and USAF who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Grenada will take places in Ford Model As, Ford Model Ts, Woodys, Chevrolets, Corvairs, Corvettes, Cadillacs, Camaros and Jeeps. Veterans also will ride in the Naperville Trolley. 
“Good to see we have 28 drivers and their cars volunteering to transport our veterans!” said Pablo Araya, Commander of the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, a Navy veteran and member of the 2019 Memorial Day Parade Committee.
Thanks for supporting the Buddy Poppy Campaign
During the recent City Council meeting, Councilman Paul Hinterlong introduced veterans Bob Colby and Pablo Araya when he presented a Mayoral Proclamation recognizing May 22 through May 27 as Buddy Poppy Days.
For more than 75 years, the VFW’s Buddy Poppy distribution of the tiny red artificial flower has raised millions of dollars in support of veterans’ welfare and unmet needs of their dependents nationwide. VFW Buddy Poppies are assembled by disabled, needy and aging veterans in VA Hospitals for the annual distribution every Memorial Day. Look for volunteers around town distributing the Buddy Poppy that welcome your support. Wear the red poppy this weekend.
Other Memorial Day notes…
According to this day in history, the American flag is expected to be flown at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, then raised to the top of the staff.
Americans also are encouraged to pause in silence, no matter where they are, for a National Moment of Remembrance at 3PM local time, a tradition honored at the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3876 in Naperville.
—PN (PN File Photos)
