Above / Whenever poppies bloomed along the fence in our parents’ backyard, thoughts turned to Memorial Day, a time to remember the fallen and their families for their sacrifices. (PN File Photo)
Observe Memorial Day, all day Monday, May 31
The Naperville Memorial Day Parade will step off at 9AM from the Judd Kendall VFW Post, 908 W. Jackson Ave., and end near the Dandelion Fountain, Webster at Jackson. According to 2021 Parade Chairman Tom Parker, spectators are welcomed to watch the much shorter than usual parade from the south side of Jackson Avenue. (The north side of Jackson will be reserved for five high school bands.) Folks also can watch the parade “live” on NCTV17.
The parade, with commentary provided by emcee Steve Hyett, will be followed by Veterans’ visits to local cemeteries and memorials via the Naperville Trolley.
9:40AM – Shanower Memorial
10AM – Naperville Cemetery
10:20AM – Veterans Park
10:40AM – Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery
11AM – Burlington Square Park
A 45-minute observance hosted by the Naperville American Legion Post 43 and Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 with wreath laying, speeches and musical tributes by the Naperville Municipal Band will be held at noon in Central Park, 104 E. Benton.
All Veterans are encouraged to participate in the parade as well as be recognized during the observance in Central Park. Public is welcome. Wear a poppy!
Councilman Paul Hinterlong presents Mayoral Proclamation
“May is here, the snow is gone and the Poppies are blooming,” wrote columnist Mike Barbour for his monthly feature, “Veterans in Touch,” in 2018.
“Among all the flowers that evoke the memories and emotions of war is the red poppy, which became associated with the war after the publication of the poem ‘In Flanders Field’ written by Colonel John McCrae of Canada,” Barbour said, continuing to inform folks why Veterans and volunteers are stationed around the nation, presenting artificial red poppies and collecting donations for unmet needs of Veterans. The tradition to connect the visual image of the poppy with the sacrifice of service made by Veterans began in 1921.
“This month you will see the American Legion and VFW members (and other volunteers) at various locations around Naperville proudly collecting for the Poppy funds of the respective organizations. The one point that I want to make sure you understand is that 100 percent of monies collected are used to help Veterans and Veterans causes. Our bylaws state that support. There are no administrative or hidden costs that come out of the funds.
“We are volunteers. We are ‘Veterans helping Veterans,'” wrote Barbour.
“The Poppies are assembled by disabled and needy Veterans in VA Hospitals and are distributed by VFW Posts and their Auxiliaries. The funds collected help Veterans and active duty troops in the Naperville area,” Barbour explained.
IN FLANDERS FIELD
BY John McCrae
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place, and in the sky,
The larks, still bravely singing, fly,
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead.
Short days ago,
We lived; we felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved and now we lie,
In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you from falling hands we throw,
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us, who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.
“That poem never fails to bring a tear,” added Barbour. “When you see the Veterans, their loved ones, and other volunteers out there distributing Poppies donate generously. Remember all the funds collected help Veterans in need.”
2021 Photos courtesy Peggy Beata for the Auxiliary.
Support for Veterans’ causes also may be by check or credit card.
Donate by check:
Made to “Naperville American Legion Post 43”
Memo Line: “Operation Comfort Warriors”
Naperville American Legion Post 43
PO Box 4
Naperville, IL 60566-0004
Donate via Website: www.naperlegion.org/poppy-day
Credit card and checking transfer accepted
Thank you!
Post last updated with new photo from Peggy Beata on May 29, 2021
