The Memorial Day Parade Committee, comprised of members of the American Legion Post 43, Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, Naperville Municipal Band and community members, has announced that registration for bands, scouts, Veterans’ organizations and community groups to participate in the annual Memorial Day Parade is now open at www.napervillememorialdayparade.org.
As is tradition, beginning at 10:30AM on Memorial Day, this year Mon., May 27, the Naperville Memorial Day Parade officially will step off from Jackson Avenue and West Street to pay tribute to those individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the military. The parade then heads east to Main Street, north to Benton Avenue, and east toward the Ss. Peter and Paul parking lot.
(Alert! Kindly note the change this year in the parade route along Main Street between Jackson Avenue and Benton Avenue because of streetscape construction along Washington Street.)
Scouts are known to carry banners that pay tribute to Blue Star Families and Gold Star Families. (PN File Photo)
A brief military observance is held along Jackson Avenue near the Veterans Plaza along the Riverwalk.
Naperville Honor Guard (PN File Photo)
Then the parade advances, making its way toward Central Park, just north of Benton Avenue.
Memorial Day Observance in Central Park
Immediately following the parade at noon, participants and the community are welcome to attend the 30-minute observance with brief speeches, patriotic music performed by the Naperville Municipal Band and other musical groups; with a wreath-laying that follows at the war memorial in Central Park.
During the Memorial Day remembrance, the Naperville Municipal Band performs the U.S. Armed Forces Medley, a combination of the anthems of the various branches of the United States Military. (PN File Photo)
Watch for details later in the spring that will feature the complete schedule of Memorial Day observances that begin with early-morning flag-raising ceremonies in Naperville.
National Moment of Remembrance / 3PM Memorial Day
Along the Riverwalk, the Veterans Plaza is another place to remember, honor and express gratitude for the sacrifices made for freedom. (PN Photo)
Local Memorial Day event organizers also request that all residents take a moment to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3PM on Memorial Day. No matter where, simply observe one minute of silence at 3PM for the many military veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in service to our country, including the 114 residents of Naperville that died while on Active Duty.
The Gold Star Family Memorial Monument is on the Century Walk tour and located in Veterans Park where a flag raising and brief ceremony will be held at 8:35AM. Veterans Park is located at 100 E. Gartner Road. The memorial tribute welcomes visitors to pause and reflect with gratitude every day. (PN Photo)
Pre-Parade Memorial Day Observances on May 27
7:45AM – CDR Dan Shanower/9-11 Memorial at City Hall
8:15AM – G.A.R. Monument in Naperville Cemetery (south side of cemetery)
8:35AM – Veterans Park (100 E. Gartner Road)
9:25AM – Burlington Square (307 N. Ellsworth Street)
Deadline for parade registration is May 3, 2024
For now, organizations with ties to Veterans are welcome to register at www.napervillememorialdayparade.org. Complete details regarding eligibility to participate are included on the comprehensive website.
The deadline to register for the parade is Fri., May 3, 2024.
Last Updated, April 25, 2024.
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