On Memorial Day, remember the Veterans who have fallen. Stand to celebrate and cherish the freedoms that preserve Constitutional rights to gather, express opinions, share faith and more. Memories of Naperville Memorial Day Parades when the Flag Unit from Great Lakes Naval Academy joined Veterans organizations, the Naperville Municipal Band, other marching bands and scout groups will forever help showcase the community’s gratitude, especially when local observances are canceled on May 25, 2020.
For nearly 90 years, Naperville’s Memorial Day observances have been organized by local Veterans and citizens. Traditionally, the community rallies in support of the American Legion Post 43 (chartered in 1919) and the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 (chartered in 1944), two local organizations of dedicated Veterans that continue to serve their country.
For 2020, public observances planned for Memorial Day on May 25 have been canceled.
“Due to the ongoing concerns with COVID-19 and the directives that have been issued regarding group gatherings, there will not be a public memorial service on Monday,” said Army Veteran Tom Parker, Chairman of the 2020 Naperville Memorial Day Observances.
“Instead, we’re asking that members of the community take time that day to reflect on the significance of the day and to remember those members of the military that have given their lives in the service of our country. Flags will be placed at the cemeteries, as we have done in the past, and people are invited to drive through the cemeteries to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those Veterans who are no longer with us.”
National Moment of Remembrance is at 3PM every Memorial Day
With that knowledge in mind, private observances are welcome. Fly the American flag. Every year on Memorial Day a “National Moment of Remembrance” takes place at 3PM local time. During “Stay-at-Home,” plan to pause and reflect about the supreme sacrifices that have been made by military men, women and their families to help keep this nation protected and free.
No matter where you stand, be prepared for safety. Practice 6′ social distancing. Commemorate precious freedom on Memorial Day and respect the pursuit of happiness every day. Freedom isn’t free.
—PN
Special Commentary to PN – Originally Posted 2013
By Terrance Jelinek / Navy Veteran, Past Commander of the American Legion Post 43 & Past Commander of the Judd Kendall VFW 3873
Memorial Day observed on the fourth Monday in May and Veterans Day always on November 11 are two very important days in the hearts of veterans for two entirely different reasons.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day, the more somber of the two days, is a day that should convey to all Americans the price and pain of the quest for our nation’s freedom. It is a day in which we remember the dead for their service and sacrifice. It doesn’t matter if those who we remember this day died on the battlefield. What is important is that all those who have died have been a part of America’s past and that each one in his or her own way contributed to our American heritage. We recognize that their contributions helped ensure our freedoms.
In America, we have been honoring the dead on Memorial Day (formerly Decoration Day) since the end of the Civil War.
General John A. Logan was the commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, the organization of Union Veterans. He issued the following order in response to a request made by Adjutant General Norton P. Chipman:
“The thirtieth day of May, 1868 was designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to call attention to this order and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.
Department commanders will use every effort to make this order effective.”
We feel that this order is fitting and proper and are proud to be part of a community/town which continues to mark this observance every year.
The picture of a grave site with a wreath or a flag shows the solemnity of the day. But the veterans who have gone before us want us to celebrate the freedoms that they have helped preserve.
Veterans Day is different from Memorial Day
Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day, is celebrated every November 11 to mark the signing of the Peace Treaty of the “War that would end all wars,” World War I. The Armistice was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month 1918, proving to be a very happy occasion. The world was once again at peace and millions of soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen from all countries were returning home to their families and loved ones.
Unfortunately, it was not the war to end all wars. So in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
Veterans Day is a day in which we thank all veterans for their service. If you were to think of it as a picture, the sailor kissing the nurse in Times Square at the end of WWII is a great image.
—Terrance Jelinek
Veterans Park
“Peace” plays a prominent part at Veterans Park across from Grace United Methodist Church at 303 E. Gartner Road.
“The soldier, above all other people, prays for peace.”
—Douglas MacArthur
Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) was a Five-Star General in the U.S. Army, in command of the the Pacific theater during World War II.
A few more thoughts on remembering
At 3PM on Memorial Day, pause and take a few moments to reflect with gratitude for the supreme sacrifices of the fallen and Gold Star families.
Remember that the U.S. Constitution, together with its Bill of Rights and other amendments, provides Americans with a workable plan of government to be followed by elected officials with justice for all. The Constitution guarantees to all Americans many priceless rights and freedoms.
In addition to Veterans Park, Naperville has been blessed with enduring tributes to liberty and patriotism throughout the city. Find commemorative messages on bricks in Fredenhagen Park, Freedom Shrines in schools and Century Walk sculptures in Burlington Square Park, Central Park and at Veterans Plaza along the Riverwalk.
For more than 70 years, Blue Star Memorial markers have provided a means for National Garden Clubs to honor service men and women along America’s highways and in prominent places such as the one in Burlington Square Park, sponsored by the Naperville Garden Club. Today more than 3,000 Blue Star markers have been dedicated across the country, two of which are in Naperville. Naperville’s other Blue Star Memorial, sponsored by the Cress Creek Garden Club, is located at the Judd Kendall VFW Post.
Editor’s Note / Sue Jelinek is a monthly contributing columnist, sharing insights and experiences as a Navy mother. Click here for the link to Sue’s column featured in May 2018 when her thoughts turned to Memorial Day.
Photo of Veterans Park added at 12PM, May 25, 2020.
