Memorial Day is the time set aside on the last Monday in May to commemorate American military personnel that died in all wars, recognizing and honoring the families that served by giving the ultimate sacrifice.
Since World War I, the poppy has been an enduring symbol of remembrance, a way for all ages to acknowledge and appreciate service.
According to the American Legion website, “The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle following the publication of the wartime poem ‘In Flanders Fields.’ The poem was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. while serving on the front lines.”
Since the 1920s, the poppy has helped to memorialize the honorable soldiers who fought and died while serving.
Update / City Council recognizes Poppy Days & Memorial Day observances
Updated, May 22, 2024 / During the May 21 City Council Meeting, Councilwoman Jennifer Bruzan Taylor proclaimed 2024 VFW Buddy Poppy Days in Naperville to be May 22-26. In addition, she recognized Mon., May 27, as Memorial Day as well as the National Moment of Remembrance at 3PM.
2024 Buddy Poppy Days are May 22 through May 26
The annual Buddy Poppy Day solicitation will take place from Wed., May 22, through Sun., May 26, throughout Naperville. Volunteers are welcome to fill the shifts at the various stores and shopping centers the week prior to Memorial Day, May 27, 2024.
The signup sheet to volunteer for Buddy Poppy distribution can be found at Http://volunteersignup.org/LEAEA/
Volunteers are encouraged to sign up for a shift or two or several, if possible. Enlist friends and family. The success of this year’s Buddy Poppy campaign depends directly on the level of participation of members of the Judd Kendall VFW and Naperville American Legion as well the community volunteers.
Thanks to all volunteers for helping to make a difference
As in the past, poppy supplies will be available for pickup in the VFW conference room on the lower level of the VFW, located at 908 W. Jackson Ave. Organizers Bob Colby and Nancy Marinello advise picking up poppies and collection jugs in advance of a shift. Plan to collect supplies at a time when the canteen is open.
Questions? Contact Bob Colby at bob_colby@comcast.net or Nancy Marinello nancymarinello@yahoo.com
Wear a Buddy Poppy proudly, especially on Memorial Day
Know a Veteran who’d like to walk or ride in the parade?
Members of VFW Post 3873 and American Legion Post 43 again will participate in Memorial Day services as well as the Memorial Day Parade on Mon., May 27, 2022.
Kindly note that only Veterans and Active Duty personnel will be walking in the Veterans’ group during the parade. Anyone with children or other family members will be able to ride the Naperville Trolley designated for Veterans.
Veterans unable to walk the parade route who would like to ride in a vintage or classic car should submit their name, branch of service, conflict served and contact phone number to Paul Hinterlong at paulhinterlong@yahoo.com. Requests for a car should be made by May 17. Any Veteran not requesting a vehicle by May 17 will be able to ride in the Naperville Trolley on May 27.
Looking toward Memorial Day, plans are to continue featuring the regular schedule of events, noted 2024 Memorial Day Parade Chairman Tom Parker.
Spectators are welcome on Memorial Day as Veterans resume their normal day of activities, honoring this nation’s fallen brothers and sisters, and families that have given the ultimate sacrifice.
Red, white and blue are the colors of the day when spectators stand and applaud all along the parade route in appreciation as units of Veterans march in the Memorial Day Parade.
Schedule for Memorial Day Observances at local sites
7:45AM Service at City Hall (Dan Shanower Memorial)
8:15AM Service at G.A.R. Monument in Naperville Cemetery (south side)
8:35AM Service at Veterans Park (100 E. Gartner Road)
9AM Service at Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery (911 North Avenue)
9:25AM Service at Burlington Square (307 N. Ellsworth Street)
Memorial Day Parade / Official Parade Start 10:30AM
10AM Parade Line-up (vicinity of West Street and Jackson Avenue)
10:15AM Veterans step off to start parade 10:20 Service at Riverwalk Memorial (during parade) Note! New route (because of construction along Washington Street) this year along Main Street to Benton, then over to Central Park.
Observance in Central Park
At 12 Noon the community is welcome to a Memorial Day Observance at the Naperville Community Concert Center in Central Park (approximate start time following the parade.) A 30-minute concert of patriotic music performed by the Naperville Municipal Band includes brief speeches, wreath laying and remembrances for the individual sacrifices that give this day special significance for the freedom it represents.
The National Moment of Remembrance
The National Moment of Remembrance is an annual event set for 3PM on Memorial Day. No matter what time zone, the 3PM time was chosen as a time to pause and reflect because mid-afternoon is when many Americans are enjoying their freedoms on Memorial Day, including a day at Centennial Beach.
One more thing about the Memorial Day Parade
A ‘Rain and Cancellation Policy’ is in place. The decision to cancel the parade is made by the Naperville Police Department just prior to the parade. The intent is to march unless rain is very bad or the weather is dangerous, organizers say. In the event of cancellation, this website will post the news. Thanks for reading.
Post Last Updated May 22, 2024
