Come November and one immediately thinks of Thanksgiving and turkey dinners. But let’s not forget another holiday – what was formerly known as Armistice Day after WWI, but is now known as Veterans Day.
We at Century Walk want to remind citizens of that day only over 100 years ago when the armistice was signed at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. We do so by suggesting that you make a trip to Burlington Square Park.
Once there you will encounter the “Spirit of the American Doughboy” by artist E. M. Viquesney facing the artist’s other sculpture from the First World War, the “Spirit of the American Navy,” waving across the park. You also will learn the names of seven local doughboys who died while serving their country.
These sculptures were dedicated in 2003 and 2013, respectively, and hopefully fulfill the artist’s wish: “I hope that they may be a constant inspiration and call to all, teaching us what real Americanism is, what it does, and how it safeguards our homes and our country.”
About Century Walk
The Century Walk Corporation, founded in 1996, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing public art to Naperville, to add beauty to the town, build community and bridge generations by paying tribute to over 200 years of Naperville history through a diverse collection of murals, mosaics, sculptures and more.
Learn more about 50-plus pieces of Naperville public art at www.centurywalk.org.
