Suburban Veterans Day events
Citizens, students and veterans from across the suburbs will mark Veterans Day this week with educational events, solemn ceremonies and even some song and dance, all in tribute to veterans as well as the servicemen and women on active duty. Here's a look at some of what's planned:
Northwest Suburbs
Wednesday
Arlington Heights: Speakers at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. at the Arlington Heights Senior Center, 1801 W. Central Road. Presentations last 30 minutes, followed by interaction with guests, questions and refreshments. The story of Honor Flight Chicago, co-presenters Ed Landow and Greg Padovani, 1 p.m.; the story of Veterans Memorial Park, the village's oldest park, presented by Greg Padovani, 2 p.m.; a service flag ceremony, narrated by Ed Landow and presented by the American Legion Post 208 color guard, 3 p.m.
Buffalo Grove: The Buffalo Grove Police and Fire Honor Guard will present the colors at 9 a.m. at the Cooper Middle School gymnasium, 1050 Plum Grove Road. Dewey Lutzow, Army colonel and a Cooper parent, will be the keynote speaker. Local and state officials will be in attendance. Open to the public; RSVP to Principal Pamela Kibbons, (847) 520-2750.
Prospect Heights: A Soldier's Salute, featuring film historian Steven Frenzel and a singalong to songs of the World War II era as well as music from films such as “Buck Privates,” “Anchors Aweigh”, and “For Me and My Gal” at 7 p.m., Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. To register, call (847) 259-3500, ext. 35, or visit phpl.info.
Thursday
Arlington Heights: “In The Mood: A Salute to Veterans Day” 1 and 7:30 p.m. at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St. Danceable swing and upbeat tunes including classics made famous by Basie, Goodman and more. Tickets $35 at MetropolisArts.com or call (847) 577-2121.
Barrington: Veterans Day ceremony, 11 a.m., Main and Cook streets.
Bartlett: Veterans Memorial Site dedication, 11 a.m., on the south side of Stearns Road, west of the intersection with South Bartlett Road. Bartlett Veterans Memorial Foundation will be dedicating the site and unveiling the statue that will be placed permanently there next spring. Visit bartlettveteransmemorial.com.
Bartlett: James Robideau shares his experience in the service and as general counsel for the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, 3:30 p.m. at Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road. Call (630) 213-0100.
Buffalo Grove: 12:15 p.m. reception, 1:30 p.m. program, Buffalo Grove High School, 1100 W. Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove. Entertainment, free refreshments, speeches, flag ceremony, 21-gun salute and a presentation about war dogs. Singer Heather Braoudakis, presentation of the colors by Marine Air Control Group 48 Great Lakes, music by the Brass Quintet from the United States Navy Band Great Lakes. Visit bgparkdistrict.org.
Des Plaines: Veterans Day program, 11 a.m., Lake Park Memorial Pavilion. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2992 and American Legion Post 36 put on a 45-minute program. The guest speaker will be Sgt. Maj. Thomas Hoskinson of the National Security Agency Support Command. For details, call VFW Commander David Murphy at (847) 648-1036.
Des Plaines: Veterans Day celebration from 12-3 p.m., Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood. Includes a Pearl Harbor display, uniform display, crafts projects, letter writing to active military with a pocket-size flag. All ages are invited. VFW Post 2992 presents “Visit With A Veteran” from 1-3 p.m. Veterans who served in World War II, Korea, and other conflicts are available to meet and greet. Visit dppl.org or desplaineshistory.org or call (847) 299-1886 or (847) 391-5399.
Hanover Park: Alberto Velasco, a veteran who was paralyzed in a car accident and now works as a military liaison for U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, speaks at 7 p.m. at village hall, 2121 W. Lake St. Refreshments will be served.
Hoffman Estates: Veterans Day ceremony, 10:45 a.m., Veterans Memorial site at the new Police Department building, 411 W. Higgins Road. For information, call (847) 781-2844.
Hoffman Estates: Members of Streamwood VFW Post 5150 will participate in Veterans Day activities with students at St. Hubert Catholic School, 729 Grand Canyon Street, Hoffman Estates. The event begins at 8:30 a.m.
Mount Prospect: Veterans Day ceremony, 10:45 a.m., Lion's Park Recreation Center, 300 E. Council Trail. A 21-gun salute will be fired, followed by the keynote speaker, Lt. Michael Gumina, U.S. Navy, an Afghanistan veteran. Patriotic songs will be led by the St. Cecilia's Church Choir, and taps will be played. Hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1337. Special seating for veterans.
Palatine: American Legion Post 690 Veterans Day Program at 10:25 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial in Community Park, at the intersection of Northwest Highway and East Wood Street. Legion color guard and rifle team, remarks by leaders of the Legion, the Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the Legion. Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz will present the keynote address. Rifle salute and playing of taps at 11 a.m.
Prospect Heights: Breakfast for any veteran from Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights and Wheeling at 8:30 a.m. at MacArthur Middle School, 700 Schoenbeck Road. Served by MacArthur students, followed by a seventh- and eighth-grade assembly featuring the band, chorus and orchestra. Students will make speeches about America, the flag and Veterans Day. The veterans will be introduced individually.
Schaumburg: Veterans Day remembrance, 11 a.m. at Veterans Gateway Park, southwest corner of Schaumburg and Roselle roads. Pledge of Allegiance by veteran Graham McNamee, speech by Bob Napier, past commander of VFW Post 2202, guns salute by post commander Joe Wein, Taps.
Wheeling: Veterans Day presentation, 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, Nov. 11, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road. Veterans will be honored. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit indiantrailslibrary.org.
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DuPage County
Ongoing
Aurora: The Fox Valley Park District has declared November Veterans Recognition Month and pays its respects with a monthlong fitness promotion. Throughout November, veterans and active service personnel may visit any park district fitness facility an unlimited number of times for free. Free admission for veterans, their spouses and children is offered at the Eola Community Center, 555 S. Eola Road, Aurora; Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora; and Vaughan Athletic Center, 2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora.
Tuesday, Nov. 9
Aurora: Waubonsie Valley High School hosts a Veterans Assembly featuring several dignitaries at 8 a.m. at 2590 Ogden Ave., Aurora. Special guests include Medal of Honor recipients Harold Fritz and Allen Lynch, and Brigadier Gen. John C. Hanley. Jim Cornelison of the Chicago Blackhawks sings the national anthem. The Waubonsie Valley music department and members of the bagpipe band Tunes of Glory also perform. Info: (630) 375-3300.West Chicago: Veterans and their spouses are invited to a Veterans Day event at Wheaton Academy, 900 Prince Crossing, West Chicago. A reception begins at 9:30 a.m. in the atrium, with a Veterans Day chapel service at 10:30 a.m. in the Fine Arts Center. Guest speaker Mark Hamstra's military career has included serving as an adviser to the Afghan National Army in Afghanistan. RSVP: (630) 562-7503.
Wednesday, Nov. 10
Wheaton: An American Celebration, hosted by the Wheaton Park District Leisure Center and the DuPage County Historical Museum, runs noon to 2:30 p.m. at the Leisure Center in Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton. Speaker Larry Bergnach will play and discuss songs of the armed forces during the luncheon. Cost: $19. Reservations: (630) 510-4956, wheatonparkdistrict.com or sbuttita@wheatonparks.org.
Thursday, Nov. 11
Aurora: Aurora's Veterans Day Parade steps off at 10:15 a.m. at Benton and Water streets, heads north on Broadway to Downer Place and west to the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall, 23 E. Downer Place, where a ceremony #8220;Honoring All Who Served#8221; starts at about 10:30 a.m. The ceremony ends with a military rifle salute by veterans groups. An open house runs 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the G.A.R. Memorial museum. Info: (630) 844-4731.
Aurora: Fox Valley Park District hosts a Veterans Day Luncheon from noon to 1 p.m. at the Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave. The lunch features speakers from Honor Flight Chicago. Veterans are admitted free; guests cost $6 per person for the luncheon. Info: (630) 859-8606.
Bensenville: Bensenville Park District holds a Veterans Day Breakfast from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at White Pines Golf Club, 500 W. Jefferson, Bensenville. Lt. Colonel Patricia Bacon of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve speaks about her experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. Donations of Slim Jims and Beef Jerky taken for Operation Support Our Troops. Cost: $5, free for veterans and spouses. Advance registration required. Info: (630) 766-7015.
Glen Ellyn: A Veterans Day ceremony begins at 11 a.m. at Lake Ellyn Park. Multiple speakers are planned, and the Glenbard South High School band will perform. A color guard and bagpipe player also are scheduled.
Glendale Heights: Ceremonies begin at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 220 Civic Center Plaza, and include a flag and color guard presentation, rifle salute and tribute to our Fallen Warriors. Info: (630) 909-5302.
Naperville: The annual Veterans Days ceremony begins at 11:11 a.m. in Veterans Park, 303 E. Gartner Road, Naperville. Info: (630) 355-7664.
Naperville: St. Raphael Catholic School has a flag-raising ceremony at 8:50 a.m. followed by a Mass at 9 a.m. at 1215 Modaff Road, Naperville. A student brass quartet and the St. Raphael Catholic School Band perform. Info: (630) 355-1880.
Oakbrook Terrace: A Veterans Day ceremony begins at 11 a.m. at Chapel Hill Gardens West in the Victory Garden, 17W201 Roosevelt Road. Info: (630) 941-8300 or oakbrookterrace.net.
Oakbrook Terrace: The Oakbrook Terrace Park District hosts a Veterans Day ceremony at 1:30 p.m. at the Dorothy Drennan Park, Eisenhower and Nimitz roads. Info: (630) 627-6100.
West Chicago: West Chicago Mayor Michael Kwasman is the keynote speaker at a Veterans Day ceremony that begins at 10:45 a.m. and ends with a 21-gun salute at 11:11 a.m. at the West Chicago VFW Hall, 431 N. Neltnor. Info: (630) 231-9823.
Wheaton: Veterans Day events at Cantigny Park and 1st Infantry Division Museum include a luminaria tribute from 6 to 9 p.m. with 2,200 candles honoring 1st Division soldiers who have died in battle from World War I to the present, as well as Veterans Voices, in which re-enactors will read letters from soldiers, at 7:30 p.m. in the museum, Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Museum hours are extended to 9 p.m. Free. Info: firstdivisionmuseum.org or (630) 260-8187.
Wheaton: Wheaton-Carol Stream American Legion Post 76 has a Veteran's Day Ceremony at 10:45 a.m. in Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton. The post commander and several members will speak, and a rifle volley will mark the Armistice at 11 a.m.
Villa Park: The VFW Post 2801 hosts a Veterans Day ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at the post home, 39 E. St. Charles Road, Villa Park. A release of red, white and blue balloons will honor veterans from the community who have been interred during the past year. The ceremony will be followed by a light lunch. Info: (630) 834-8191.
Saturday, Nov. 13
Itasca: The village of Itasca and the Itasca VFW will honor U.S. military men and women with a short ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Veteran's Memorial in Usher Park. A reception will follow immediately at the Itasca Park District Building, 350 E. Irving Park Road. At the ceremony, special recognition will be given to current servicemen and women, both active and reserve. Residents wishing to show their support may pick up yellow ribbons at the park district, village hall or library before the ceremony. Info: (630) 773-0835.
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Lake County
Ongoing
Lake Zurich: In recognition of Veterans Day, the Ela Area Public Library and Silver Star Families of America are holding a letter-writing campaign for American troops Thursday, Nov. 18, at the library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Letters and cards should be dropped off in collection boxes at the Information Desk. Address messages to #8220;Dear Wounded Warrior#8221; or #8220;Dear American Hero.#8221; No envelope or stamp is required. For information, call (847) 438-3433 or e-mail infodesk@eapl.org.
Thursday
Antioch: The Antioch Garden Club and the Antioch Lions Club will hold a Veterans Day program at 10:30 a.m., at the Blue Star Memorial, corner of Route 83 and Depot Street, Antioch. The ceremony will dedicate the installation of a granite plaque engraved with the names of Antioch Veterans who have died in the line of duty. The Marine Corps League will be present as well as Antioch Mayor Lawrence Hanson.
Buffalo Grove: The Buffalo Grove Park District and Whitehall of Deerfield are sponsoring a celebration for everyone, especially veterans, their family and friends, starting at 12:15 p.m., at Buffalo Grove High School, 1100 W. Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove. Activities include entertainment by singer Heather Braoudakis, who will sing patriotic songs, free refreshments and a program at 1:30 p.m. that will include speeches, a flag ceremony, a 21-gun salute and a presentation about war dogs. Visit bgparkdistrict.org.
Libertyville: A special Veteran's Breakfast sponsored by the Second Brigade Motorcycle Club will be held at 9 a.m. for 17 veterans who reside at Winchester House, 1125 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Military guests will include about 80 Navy and Marines from nearby Great Lakes Naval Station. The Second Brigade Motorcycle Club is comprised of veterans and sons of veterans from Vietnam. For information, call Mary Purnell, (847) 377-7225. Wauconda/Island Lake/Port Barrington: American Legion Post 911 members will make presentations about Veterans Day to students at Crown, Cotton Creek and Wauconda elementary schools. Post 911 will participate in a flag and flagpole dedication ceremony at 6 p.m. at Port Barrington Village Hall, 69 S. Circle Ave. Post 911 also will host a flag retirement ceremony for old and tattered American flags at 7 p.m. Thursday at Veteran's Park on Route 176 in Island Lake. For information, call (847) 526-9718.
Lake Villa: Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 135 Milwaukee Ave., Lake Villa, will host a special prayer service at 7 p.m. in the church. All are invited to attend. Uniforms are encouraged to be worn by veterans. Light refreshments will be served following the service.
Lindenhurst: Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Lindenhurst Veterans Memorial on the village hall grounds, 2301 E. Sand Lake Road. It is a joint ceremony between the Lindenhurst Veteran's Commission and the Lindenhurst VFW Post 4894. Guest speaker is Capt. Elizabeth A. McAlister, commanding officer, Navy Operational Support Center Chicago (the Navy Reserve Center at Great Lakes); The Color Guard will be provided by Navy Operational Support Center Chicago; Rev. James F. Galuhn, pastor, Trinity United Methodist Church Lindenhurst will give the invocation and benediction; Lakes Community High School Marching Band under the direction of Matt Kastor will provide the music; Lindenhurst Officer Rebecca Labb will perform a song in honor of the veterans.Waukegan: The Veterans Day Parade lines up at 9:30 a.m. at Grand and Genesee, and the parade steps off at 10:30 a.m. going south on Genesee to Washington Street then west to Veterans Memorial Plaza. There will be a moment of silence and rifle salute at 11:11 a.m. A buffet luncheon will follow at Christ's Church, 410 Grand Ave. Veterans and military eat for free, $3 per person for the general public. For details, call (847) 599-2525.
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Fox Valley
Thursday
Algonquin: Westfield Community School's eighth-grade band, choir and orchestra will perform a combined concert at 7:30 p.m. All veterans are invited to attend. This program will involve over 120 students who will perform American classics.
Aurora: U.S. Navy Reserve Chief Petty Officer Ron McKenzie, a 1989 graduate of Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, will be the guest speaker at IMSA's Veterans Day Program. The school is located at 1500 Sullivan Road, Aurora.
Aurora: Aurora Central Catholic High School will host a special Veteran's Day celebration to honor all who have served or are serving in the military. The day will begin with a continental breakfast at 7:45 a.m. in the high school cafetorium, followed by the Recognition Ceremony in the Alumni Gymnasium, 1255 N. Edgelawn Drive, in Aurora.
Aurora: Waubonsee Community College will host a Veterans Day Observance at 11 a.m. in the Academic and Professional Center on its Sugar Grove Campus, Route 47 at Waubonsee Drive.
Batavia: The Batavia Overseas Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1197, 645 S. River St., will host a Veterans Day program at 10 a.m. For details, visit bataviavfw.org or call (630) 879-9630.
Carpentersville: Parkview Elementary School students and staff will walk with Community Unit District 300 Superintendent Ken Arndt to nearby Carpenter Park at 10:15 a.m. for their annual ceremony. Local clergy and the American Legion Post 679 of Dundee/Carpentersville have been invited, and all veterans in attendance will be seated at a place of honor and receive a small token of appreciation from the schoolchildren.
Crystal Lake: McHenry County College will host a Veterans Day Recognition program beginning with patriotic music by the MCC Concert Band and Chorus at 9 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room in Building A at the college, 8900 Route 14 in Crystal Lake.
Elburn: The Elburn community will pause to remember veterans at 11 a.m. The annual parade begins at the American Legion building at 112 N. Main St., after a moment of silence, then proceeds south on Main Street (Route 47), turning east on North Street to end at the Veterans Memorial next to the village hall. After the parade, a brief and informative ceremony will be held at the new memorial. On display at the Veterans Memorial is a M60A3 battle tank, on loan from the U.S. Army. Call (630) 365-6530 for more information.
Elgin: WRMN Radio will be broadcasting the #8220;Tom Sandor Show#8221; from 8:15 to 9 a.m. at the Elgin Watch City Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1307, 1601 Weld Road. All veterans are invited to attend and be interviewed. For information, please contact #8220;Doc#8221; Sheehan or Kathy Konishi at (847) 888-9809.
Hampshire: Hampshire Middle School will host World War II re-enactors for three interactive assemblies: the first at 9 a.m. for sixth grade, the second at 10 a.m. for seventh grade, and finally at 11 a.m. for the eighth grade. There will be an all-school assembly at 1:30 p.m. with patriotic music played by the HMS band, orchestra and choir. Members of the Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars will visit all village schools Thursday and Friday.
McHenry: In an effort to honor local veterans and donate proceeds to Honor Flight, the National Honor Society is sponsoring a dinner from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at McHenry High School West Campus. For information, contact Aubrey Francis at francisaubrey@dist156.org.
North Aurora: Veteran's Day celebration at 2 p.m. at the Veteran's Memorial, located at the intersection of Farview Drive and Willow Way in North Aurora.
St. Charles: The fourth annual Veterans Celebration Concert will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Charles North High School auditorium, 255 Red Gate Road. Call (630) 445-1704.
South Elgin: VFW Post 2327 hosts a Veteran's Day Service at 10 a.m. in Panton Mill Park, across from Village Hall. If weather is inclement, the service will be held at the Municipal Annex, 1 W. State St.
West Dundee: The Dundee Highlands' Veterans Day assembly will begin at 9 a.m. with a reception for veterans. Next, the color guard will present a flag ceremony at 9:45 a.m., followed by the U.S. Navy Band's woodwind quintet performing patriotic songs at 10 a.m.
Friday
Aurora: Marmion Academy in Aurora will hold its annual Veterans Day ceremony at 3:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12 in the Alumni Hall gymnasium at 1000 Butterfield Road. The Marmion JROTC Cadet Corps will honor all veterans and especially deceased alumni veterans of war during the after school formation and parade. The public is welcome to attend.
Saturday
Elgin: American Legion Post 57, 820 N. Liberty St., will be hosting a Veterans Day dinner and program on Saturday, Nov. 13. Social hour begins at 6 p.m., dinner will be served at 7 p.m., and a Veterans Day program will follow dinner. Call (847) 741-1684.
Elgin: VFW Post 1307 will host its annual Veterans Day Dinner and Dance starting at 6 p.m. Social hour begins at 6 p.m., with dinner being served at 7 p.m. For information, call Kathy Konishi at (847) 888-9809.