Naperville American Legion Post 43 began naming a Citizen of the Year in 1986. Thirty-seven years later, the American Legion again is asking for community assistance to help identify deserving candidates for its 2023 award.
The deadline to nominate a deserving citizen is quickly approaching. Kindly send nominations to be received by March 31, 2023.
The nominee’s service must be in support of the Naperville area or its bordering communities. Members of the American Legion, Sons of the Legion, VFW, and Auxiliary and all members of community are eligible. The service must have been performed in a volunteer capacity, rather than as part of compensated employment.
Anyone may nominate a candidate by sending a letter or email that includes a comprehensive description of the services the nominee performed, the time frame, duration, and significance of the service to others, and the category they are being nominated for, along with the name and contact information for the nominee and the person offering the nomination. Letters from others endorsing the nominee are encouraged.
Naperville is blessed with people who serve their fellow citizens, noted members of the selection committee. Typically, the judges have a very difficult task.
Comprehensive information, attachments, and endorsements may be included, and are of great help to the committee in selecting the winner. Nominations may be mailed to The American Legion Post 43, Citizen of the Year, Post Office Box 4, Naperville, IL 60566 or emailed to r.yndestad@yahoo.com to arrive no later than March 31, 2023.
The winner will be announced in the local media and honored at The American Legion’s Awards and Recognition Banquet on Sat., April 15, 2023. The public is invited to attend the dinner with advance reservations.
“So, fire up your keyboard; sharpen your pencil; and make sure the selection committee knows about your candidate,” said Rich Yndestad for the American Legion Post 43.
Meanwhile, for information featuring recent Citizens of the Years and their contributions, visit naperlegion.org.
