For all the years PN has been a source of local communication, Vietnam Veterans Phil Maughan and Wayne Fischer have been dedicated to reminding local residents to remember important dates such as Memorial Day (Last Monday in May), Veterans Day (Nov. 11) and Vietnam Veterans Day (March 29). We are grateful for their service, the programs they promote via Veterans’ organizations and myriad freedoms they protect. (PN File Photo)
Looking back to keep moving forward
The Veterans Valor sculpture reflects a wonderful story, depicting five honorable young men from Naperville —Army 1st Lt. Al Rubin, Platoon Commander; Army Staff Sgt. Leo Kuefler, Tank Commander; Army Air Corps Cpt. Vinnie Mazza, B-24 Pilot; Navy Lt. Bob Wehrli, Pt. Boat Commander; and Marine Corps 1st Lt. Don Darfler, Fighter Pilot— who served their country during World War II. Visit the work of art on the Century Walk tour any hour, any day of the year at the sidewalk entrance to Central Park along Washington Street at Van Buren Avenue.
This website is chock full of photo tributes to Veterans and their families with great respect for all who served honorably striving for peace. Local Veterans enlightened us years ago to simply remember “11-11-11,” the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, the time originally commemorating the end of World War I, also known as “The Great War.”
Ever since, we’ve tried to recognize and thank all the brave men and women who made the heroic decision to put their love and respect for country above themselves.
From Armistice Day to Veterans Day in the U.S.A.
Briefly stated, on November 11, 1918, the Allies and Germany signed an armistice meant to end fighting on the Western Front, a region that included Belgium, France, Italy, Germany, and other bordering countries in Europe. As a result, the cease-fire took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
While the armistice halted hostilities, serving as the initial step to end the war, World War I did not officially end until June 28, 1919. Soon after, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day to honor the armistice, which also corresponded with other countries’ adoption of the same day to recognize honorable Veterans.
Armistice Day was recognized by the U.S. Congress in 1926, and it became a legal holiday in 1938. In other countries, the day still is celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day.
Shortly thereafter, World War II began in Europe, becoming a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945.
In 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the Veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American Veterans of all wars and “Veterans Day” has been the name of the American holiday ever since.
Words always welcome from Wayne Fischer
March 29 is National Vietnam Veterans Day
Saturday, March 29, 2025, marks the 52nd Anniversary of the U.S. departure from Vietnam. While this has been a well-kept secret, we will be holding a program honoring all that served back then in our United States Military. This will be our 4th year honoring this memorable occasion. We plan to start promptly at 10:30AM regardless of weather.
The observance will be held in Veterans Park, 303 E. Gartner Road.
This observance is not just limited to those that served in Vietnam, but to “All Who Served” our Great Country during the Vietnam War.
In addition, we will recognize our “11 Naperville Fallen” as they each paid the ultimate price to protect our Freedoms, and we recognize all the Men and Women that paid the ultimate price because of their Service in Vietnam.
Also, we will be laying a wreath at the Veterans Park Wall. And after this Service, we will move to our “Gold Star Family Memorial” to lay a wreath at our Memorial in honor of all that paid the “Ultimate Sacrifice” while serving in All Wars.
As in the past, this ceremony will be open to the public, especially all Veterans. Seating will be available for those that need to sit. There will be ample parking available across the street at Grace United Methodist Church.
Thank you and see you then.
—Wayne Fischer, VN ’67-68-USMC
NRFV welcomes all veterans as guests April 9, 2025
Join Naperville Responds For Veterans when they host their annual “Strength and Honor” Luncheon beginning at noon on Wed., April 9, 2025, a special time to honor and give thanks to Veterans. The Luncheon will be held at Bobak’s Signature Events in Woodridge, 6440 Double Eagle Dr. This year’s guest speaker will be West Point graduate Mark Faldowski, co-founder and president of Legacies Alive.
Looking ahead to Veterans Day 2025
The Naperville Healing Field of Honor will return to Rotary Hill along the Riverwalk from Nov. 7 through Nov. 12, the week of Veterans Day 2025. For folks who might have missed local fields of flags in 2009, 2015 and 2019, click here for many photos of the first three events that showcased the significant display of patriotism, recognizing the honorable men and women who have served in the U.S. military.
This year’s event also will feature the replica of the Vietnam Wall of Remembrance that was displayed along the Riverwalk near the Grand Pavilion for Veterans Day 2023.
Watch for complete details coming soon. Opportunities to help sponsor the event and purchase flags with tags to recognize Veterans also are available.
Proceeds from the Naperville Healing Field of Honor will benefit programs provided by Operation Support Our Troops.
Questions? Email Operation Support Our Troops at events@osotamerica.org. —PN
