Above / Rotary Hill is covered with snow as 2,019 American flags wave in recognition of Veterans Day and all the brave and dedicated men and women who have served in the U.S. military.
Today’s annual Veterans Day ceremony, originally scheduled to be held outdoors near Moser Tower at the 2019 Field of Honor on Rotary Hill, is being moved indoors to the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, 305 Jackson Avenue at Eagle Street.
As always, the ceremony to show respect and appreciation to veterans is set for “11-11-11,” the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Originally called Armistice Day in 1919 on the first anniversary of the end of World War I (The Armistice on November 11, 1918, was signed at Le Francport near Compiègne to mark the end fighting on land, sea and air during World War I.), in 1926, Congress passed a resolution for an annual observance, and November 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. Since 1954, the national holiday on November 11 has been called Veterans Day.
Distinguished from Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—by expressing appreciation to all service men and women and their families who serve or have served this nation honorably during war or peacetime.
Whatever you’re doing at 11AM, thanks for taking a moment to pause and reflect about the freedoms we cherish with gratitude.
Note: Al Rubin, the Naperville native and civic leader after whom the Afred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center is named, served honorably in the U.S. Army during WWII.
Also Note: While PN was photographing Rotary Hill this morning, other residents also were taking pictures. And every one of them said to thank the committee and sponsors who organized this year’s Field of Honor. Signs of the times remind us that Sled Hill (aka Rotary Hill) is closed and that Calamos Investments is the presenting sponsor of the 2019 flag-flying tribute to all Veterans and their families.
Attention Flag Donors! The scheduled flag pickup also has been moved. Instead of Tuesday, flag pick up is now from 9AM to Noon Sat., Nov. 16, still at Riverwalk Cafe. For updates about takedown, click here.
Update / Veterans Day Ceremony is held indoors at 11AM Nov. 11
In case you missed it… Approximately 200 supporters and Veterans filled the community room at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center for a one-hour Veterans Day program titled “Remembering a Century of Heroes and Heritage.”
After an invocation by Rev. Velda Fair, guest speakers included Brigadier General Mark Anderson, U.S. Air Force Retired; OSOT-America CEO Bill Rickert, representing the beneficiary of the event; Mayor Steve Chirico; State Rep. Grant Wehrli and Past VFW Commander Lew Breeze.
A special tribute was given to the memory of Naperville “boys” who gave their lives in the War of 1914 to 1918. Recognized for their bravery and commitment were Eugene Berger, J. Clyde Beidelman, Edward C. Babst, Arnold P. Hiltenbrand, Edward W. Hiltz, Oliver J. Kendall and Harry E. Rude.
In addition, Rep. Wehrli paid tribute to the legacy of his grandfather, Judge Win Knoch, who served in the Army during World War I, coming home to leave his mark on the community. For starters, Knoch served as the second Commander of the American Legion Post 43, chairman of the group that established Centennial Beach in 1931, and a DuPage County Judge. Ultimately, in 1958 Knoch was nominated and confirmed to become a United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, a position he kept until his death in 1983. Knoch Park and Knoch Knolls Park are two popular places in town that bear the Knoch family name.
Past VFW Commander Lew Breeze shared the story of Lt. Oliver J. Kendall’s Silver Star, ending with his intention to find a way for the Naperville native to be recognized with the Medal of Honor, America’s highest and most prestigious personal military decoration.
The ceremony also honored the American Legion on its 100th anniversary as well as the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 on its 75th anniversary.
Taps was performed by members of the VFW/American Legion Honor Guard and the Naperville Municipal Band.
The 2019 Veterans Day tributes were hosted by the Naperville Healing Field of Honor Committee with Co-Chairmen Dave Wentz and Marty Walker, as well as the American Legion Post 43 with Commander Jack Amberg and the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 with Commander Pablo Araya. Past Commander of the VFW Bob Bronson served to keep the program moving along with opening and closing remarks.
