Above / Members of the American Legion Post 43, the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 and the community again will observe Veterans Day during a brief tribute at 11AM Nov. 11, known as “11-11-11.” For Veterans Day on Nov. 11, 2023, the observance will be at 11AM near the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion where a Vietnam Wall of Remembrance will be displayed Nov. 9-13. (PN Veterans Day Photo 2021)
Update, Oct. 29, 2023 / Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church again will host its Veterans’ Day program with doors opening at 7:30AM on Sat., Nov. 11, 2023. Light refreshments and morning beverages will be served. At 8AM, the welcome and announcements will be followed by prayers.
The guest speaker will be Naperville resident Lynn Lowder, a retired Marine who received a Purple Heart during his service in the Vietnam War. His presentation is titled “Christ in Combat.”
The Chorus of DuPage is set to perform.
Breakfast will be served at 9:10AM.
Afterward, all in attendance are invited to the sanctuary for a short prayer service.
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church’s is located at 815 S. Washington St.
Original Post, Oct. 27, 2022 / Veterans and friends attend breakfast hosted at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church.
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church is honoring Veterans during a breakfast on Sat., Nov. 12.
“We are inviting Veterans and friends to breakfast,” wrote organizer Russ Harwood. “Thirteen members of The Chorus of DuPage will be with us to help celebrate. Our speaker is Pablo Araya. He is a lifelong resident of Naperville. He served in the Navy and retired from the FBI. Come and listen. He’s got grit… and stories. All are welcome.”
Harwood continued, “In 1960 Pablo’s father, Fernando, after waiting 11 years, received his visa, and pursued The American Dream. He left his homeland of Chile and settled in Naperville. About one year later his wife and three children joined him. They settled in Naperville’s East Highlands. Their kids attended Highland Elementary School, Washington and Lincoln Junior High Schools and Naperville Central High School. Pablo and one of his sisters graduated from North Central College where his mother taught Spanish. He has always been an avid reader. In 6th grade read Battle Cry, a tome detailing the Marines WWII exploits in the Pacific. That book inspired him to join the military and serve his country.
“He loves to write. Since January of this year Pablo has been writing monthly columns for Positively Naperville. In July he wrote about growing up in Naperville, his Navy service and his career as an FBI Special Agent.
“Pablo followed his brother’s footsteps and joined the Navy in 1983. After boot camp and flight school in Pensacola, Pablo received his Officer’s Commission and Wings of Gold and shipped off to Atsugi, Japan, where he joined Helicopter Squadron HS-12 aboard the USS Midway (CV-41).
“After seven and a half years and six relocations, Pablo and his wife Renae made the tough decision to leave active duty. Their young daughter had moved four times in six years and they did not feel it was a good way to raise her. Pablo and Renae have known each other since First Grade at Highland School and both wanted to return to their roots – Naperville. In 1995 Pablo accepted an appointment to the FBI. His assignment was in Chicago where he worked in the Violent Crimes/Fugitive Task Force as a “Street Agent” for nearly 21 years before retiring. He now runs his own Security, Protection and Investigative firm.
“He joined the VFW in 1993 and worked his way through the “Chairs,” becoming Commander of Judd Kendal Post 3873 in 2018 serving a two-year tenure. He remains active at the Post and is currently a Trustee.”
Doors open at 7:30AM for Veterans Breakfast and Program
Doors open at 7:30AM, with coffee, water and juice available. Breakfast begins at 8AM. The program follows at 8:30AM, ending at 9:30AM. Afterward, all in attendance are invited to the sanctuary for a short prayer service.
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church’s is located at 815 S. Washington St.
Story submitted by Russ Harwood. Reservations are not required. For more information, contact Harwood at (630) 369-0124.
