Above / Buddy Poppies are counted and packaged, ready and waiting for volunteers to help with the distribution during the annual Buddy Poppy Days the last week in May before Memorial Day.
During the Naperville City Council Meeting on May 17, Councilman Paul Hinterlong read a Mayoral Proclamation to remind the community that the 2022 Buddy Poppy distribution runs May 25 through May 29; and that the Memorial Day Parade is set for 10:30AM Mon., May 30, and will be followed by a 30-minute observance in Central Park.
Buddy Poppies will be distributed from local supermarkets (no train stations this year) at shopping destinations throughout Naperville from Wed., May 25 through Sun., May 29. A few solicitors will be present at the band shell on Memorial Day, organizers said; yet, poppies will not be distributed along the Memorial Day Parade route.
“This annual fundraiser is one of our largest and its success depends on the participation of members of Post 3873 and our Auxiliary, as well as families and friends,” said Buddy Poppy Chairman Bob Colby in an email to VFW membership.
Again this year, a “touchless” poppy distribution will be offered with poppies poked onto Styrofoam sheets so individuals can grab one themselves.
Folks also can donate via the secure link on Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 website or by mailing a check to Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, 908 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville, IL 60540.
For 2022, Veterans and volunteers will distribute Buddy Poppies from the following locations: Trader Joe’s and Casey’s in Naperville Plaza, Jewel at Ogden and Washington, Jewel at Ogden and Aurora, Jewel at 75th and Naper Boulevard, and Jewel at 95th and Route 59. The Knights of Columbus will run the distribution at Caputo’s Fresh Market on 111th Street.
Folks say they keep pocket change in their jacket pockets this time of year in order to be prepared for Buddy Poppy Days.
For more information, contact Buddy Poppy Chairman Bob Colby at bob_colby@comcast.net or Nancy Marinello at nancymarinello@yahoo.com.
American Legion 2022 Poppy Day Program
Wear a Buddy Poppy proudly and especially on Memorial Day
Members of VFW Post 3873 and American Legion Post 43 will participate in Memorial Day services and the Memorial Day Parade on Mon., May 30, 2022.
Plans are to return to the regular schedule of events that existed prior to Covid-19, noted 2022 Memorial Day Parade Chairman Tom Parker.
Spectators are welcome on Memorial Day as Veterans resume their normal day of activities, honoring this nation’s fallen brothers and sisters, and families that have given the ultimate sacrifice.
Schedule for Memorial Day Flag Raisings
7:45AM Service at City Hall (Dan Shanower Memorial)
8:15AM Service at G.A.R. Monument in Naperville Cemetery (south side)
8:35AM Service at Veterans Park (100 E. Gartner Road)
9AM Service at Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery (911 North Avenue)
9:25AM Service at Burlington Square (307 N. Ellsworth Street)
Memorial Day Parade / Official Parade Start 10:30AM
10AM Parade Line-up (vicinity of West Street and Jackson Avenue)
10:15AM Veterans step off to start parade 10:20 Service at Riverwalk Memorial (during parade)
Observance in Central Park
12 Noon Ceremony at Naperville Community Concert Center in Central Park (approximate start time following the parade.)
The National Moment of Remembrance is an annual event set for 3PM on Memorial Day. No matter what time zone, the 3PM time was chosen as a time to pause and reflect because mid-afternoon is when many Americans are enjoying their freedoms on Memorial Day.
