Above / When the Naperville Memorial Day Parade begins at 10:15AM May 26, meandering through downtown Naperville to the Community Concert Center in Central Park, scouts will carry different banners that name all of Naperville’s 114 fallen since the Spanish-American War. (PN File Photo)
Mindful of Memorial Day, a visit to the website hosted by the U.S. Department of Veterans affairs will enlighten readers with a remembrance regarding the Battle of Iwo Jima.
That battle in World War II began on Feb. 19, 1945, lasted for 36 days and 35 nights, and ended on March 26, 1945.
“According to U.S. Naval accounts, wounded exceeded 19,000, including more than 5,900 Marines and Sailors killed in action and who died of wounds.
“The military mission to seize Iwo Jima was important as it served as a base for U.S. military aircraft to launch and land to accomplish strategic military tasks. U.S. military aircraft were able to land on the island instead of ditching into the Pacific Ocean saving the lives of approximately 24,000 U.S. service members.”
One of the military men killed in action at Iwo Jima was Eugene E. Dowling, U.S. Marine Corps, GYSGT, from Naperville. He received the Purple Heart. This hyperlink also helps tell the story of the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Though Naperville resident Tom Priz never knew Dowling personally, he especially remembers the Marine every Memorial Day.
And ever since 2015, after the Veterans Day week display of the Healing Field of Honor at Rotary Hill along the Riverwalk, Priz has flown his commemorative Healing Field American flag with a yellow ribbon tied to a weathered hang tag as a tribute to GYSGT Dowling’s service in World War II.
Readers are encouraged to remember all honorable Veterans and their families who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Perhaps also search for featured memorial pages to pay tribute to the legacy, military service and heroic sacrifice given to this nation.
We appreciate Tom Priz for telling us how he remembers the fallen on Memorial Day.
What’s more, for dozens of years, Priz has driven one of his vintage vehicles to give a seasoned Veteran a lift in the annual Naperville Memorial Day Parade as it winds through downtown Naperville.
Watch for Priz and other classic car collectors in the 2025 Naperville Memorial Day Parade on Mon., May 26, when they help honor America’s Veterans.
Naperville Memorial Day Parade
The annual parade steps off at 10:30AM Mon., May 26, after a brief tribute near the Riverwalk Veterans Memorial between Webster and Main Streets that takes place at 10:15AM. Folks in red, white and blue spirit wear begin lining Jackson Avenue about 10AM. By 10:30AM, Veterans, the Naperville Municipal Band, Great Lakes Navy Band and other marching bands will be headed toward Washington Street, then toward Benton Avenue to turn east and onward to the Community Concert Center in Central Park.
Naperville Observance in Central Park at Noon
A 30-minute observance with music performed by the Naperville Municipal Band as well as remembrances, tributes and wreath-laying by local Veterans will take place on stage in Central Park. Naperville North High School freshman Chaithirika Sripathi will recite her regional award-winning speech presented in competition during the 2025 American Legion National Oratorical Contest.
The Memorial Day Observance at noon also will feature performances by the Great Lakes Navy Band. Seating is available on park benches. Many attendees bring their own chairs.
National Moment of Remembrance is at 3PM
No matter where you stand, take a moment of silence at 3PM (local time), Memorial Day, to consider the true meaning of this holiday. Memorial Day represents one day of national awareness and reverence, honoring all service men, service women and their families who gave the ultimate sacrifice while defending freedom. Honor them every day and especially on Memorial Day during the “National Moment of Remembrance.”
James Hoch Photography provides glimpse of remembrance in preparation for Memorial Day
