Above / Proud to serve. The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a federally-chartered nonprofit civilian youth organization providing real-life experiences for young men and women. While adhering to core values of honor, respect, commitment and service, Sea Cadets also participate in special events such as Veterans Day ceremonies and Memorial Day Parades. (PN Photo)
Who / The public is invited to view a replica of the Vietnam Wall of Remembrance. Naperville Park District is partnering with Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, Naperville American Legion Post 43, and Naperville Responds for Veterans for this event.
Blooming Color printed and donated the name panels and 84 Lumber donated the lumber for the wall. Many veterans are volunteering their time to assist with the ceremonies and to be present at the wall.
What / The return of the Vietnam Wall of Remembrance commemorates the 50th anniversary of the departure of the last U.S. combat troops from South Vietnam in 1973. The wall includes the names of more than 58,000 service members who gave their lives between 1957 and 1975. Several ceremonies are planned while the wall is on display. For more information, visit https://napervilleparks.org/VietnamWallofRemembrance.
Where / The Vietnam Wall of Remembrance is being displayed on the lawn near the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 912 Honorary Sindt Memorial Court, just west of Centennial Beach. (And south of the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873)
When / Public viewing of the wall is from sunrise to 10PM Thurs., Nov. 9-Mon., Nov. 13.
—Naperville Park District
Ceremonies held along the Riverwalk Nov. 9-13 with updates
DAY 1
OPENING CEREMONY / November 9 at 10AM
DAY 2
MARINES BIRTHDAY FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY (At the Riverwalk Exchange Club Veterans Plaza between Webster & Main) / November 10 at 10AM
DAY 3
During the Veterans Day Ceremony, Mayor Scott Wehrli was among speakers who graciously addressed the audience with brief remarks.
“It’s our responsibility as a community to teach younger generations that the freedoms they enjoy today are due to a Veteran’s service in the past and to those actively serving now,” said Mayor Wehrli. “We also must honor and acknowledge the work our first responders here in Naperville who carry out the ideals of freedom daily that our Veterans fought for.”
The Mayor continued, “To every Veteran here today…On behalf of the entire City of Naperville, ‘Thank you.’ Those two words will never be enough. But we will never stop saying them.”
Mayor Wehrli also acknowledged VFW Post 3873 Commander Leo Jamie and American Legion Post 43 Commander Tom Jorstad for organizing the Veterans Day Ceremony.
“And thank you all for being here to honor our Veterans…”
VETERANS DAY CEREMONY / November 11 at 11AM aka “11-11-11”
DAY 4
DAY 5
CLOSING CEREMONY
November 13 at 8PM
During the ceremonies listed above and on each night of the display at 8PM, an Honor Guard will perform “Taps” and conduct a three-volley rifle salute in memory of the fallen. The volleys signify “duty, honor, and sacrifice.”
Vietnam Marine Veteran Wayne Fischer contributed greatly to this event and to this post. PN Photos.
Thank you, Wayne Fischer, and all veterans who served to protect this nation honorably!
Upcoming VFW events in this month of Thanksgiving…
Public invited Nov. 17 & Nov. 18 to friend-raisers at VFW
Win a Dance with a Hero for Toys for Tots on Nov. 17. Join members of the Naperville Marines, American Legion Post 43 and VFW Post 3873 to benefit Toys for Tots at the annual “Win a Dance with a Hero” to be held from 7PM to 10:30PM Fri., Nov. 17, at the VFW.
Raffles, a silent auction and karaoke will add to festivities to benefit Toys for Tots. Bring an unwrapped new toy and receive $5 off the $30 ticket price. Admission includes dinner and two beverages from the bar. The meal will be catered by Mission BBQ. Kindly RSVP to rios.nadia@gmail.com.
Turkey Raffle is 6PM Sat., Nov. 18. Come one, come all, for the fun of gobblers for everyone. Admission to attend the annual Turkey Raffle is free of charge. However, this Turkey Raffle is an important friend-and-fund raising event at the VFW, hosted by the VFW Post 3873 and Auxiliary. All generosity is appreciated.
Upstairs, the cash bar as well as ticket sales to participate in a variety of raffles and auctions will serve the fundraising event. Chef Terrell Cole, owner of Dark Horse Catering, returns as food purveyor for the evening. The dinner menu will include a variety of choices from $6 to $12.
On the main level, the Canteen also will be open. Everybody’s welcome!
Again, thank you to all veterans who served to protect this nation honorably!
Last Updated with PN Photos / Nov. 13, 2023
