Veterans Day events in the suburbs
Arlington Heights
Ÿ 11 a.m. Friday, Merle Guild American Legion Post 208, 121 N. Douglas Ave. Following the ceremony the Auxiliary Juniors will serve lunch to veterans and auxiliary members. (847) 253-6632.
Ÿ 11 a.m. Saturday, the bronze Eternal Flame sculpture by Fran Volz will be dedicated at Memorial Park, Chestnut Avenue and Fremont Street. Call Greg Padovani at (847) 392-9113. Prior to the ceremony, at 10 a.m., veterans are welcome to have breakfast at the historical museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. No registration required, but space is limited. Following the ceremony, come back to the historical museum for a salute to veterans, from 1-4:30 p.m. The Tri-State Living History Association will display a working World War II field kitchen and Living History display of uniforms and field gear of the 4th Infantry Division. (847) 255-1225.
Ÿ 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 at the Arlington Heights American Legion, 121 N. Douglas Ave., Arlington Heights. Hosted by Mount Prospect VFW Post 1337, vets are invited to hear about preserving your military history for future generations. RSVP to info@vfw1337.us or call “Dutch” at (847) 814-2585.
Aurora
Ÿ A Veterans Day parade will step off at 10:15 a.m. Friday from Benton Street and Broadway Avenue. Parade parking will be available at the Stolp Avenue parking deck. The parade will be followed with a military rifle salute at 11 a.m. in front of the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall, 23 E. Downer Place. Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Hess, a graduate of Aurora Central Catholic High School, will serve as the keynote speaker at the ceremony. Call (630) 256-4636.
Ÿ The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy will commemorate Veterans Day with a speech from 1993 alum and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan Keeney. The event is from 10:55 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday at 1500 Sullivan Road.
Barrington
11 a.m. Friday, at the Veterans Memorial, Main and Cook streets. Veterans asked to arrive at 10:30 a.m. A short public program will honor all veterans, and will conclude with the placement of American flags to honor fallen servicemen and women from all wars. The public is invited to place a small American flag in honor of their loved one.
Bensenville
A breakfast buffet to honor veterans is set for 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday at White Pines Banquet Hall, 500 W. Jefferson. The hot buffet is preceded by the presentation of the Colors by Bensenville/Wood Dale Boy Scout Troop 47. The guest speaker is Sgt. Paul Casazza, a Marine Corps veteran who is active in the Toys for Tots program. Donations of Slim Jims or beef jerky to send in care packages overseas welcome. Free for veterans, their spouse/widow, and children; others $5. Advance registration required: (630) 766-7015.
Bloomingdale
Members of VFW Post 7539 pass out American flags and collect donations on the streets starting at 8 a.m. Friday. A flag ceremony is at 11 a.m. at the Bloomingdale Public Library gazebo, 101 Fairfield Way. In early afternoon in the downtown, members of the VFW support the efforts of Fifth Third Bank to collect donations for Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides scholarships and assistance to spouses and children of soldiers who have been killed or disabled. VFW members also visit two elementary schools in the afternoon. Info: www.vfw7539.org.
Buffalo Grove
1:30 p.m. Friday, inside the Buffalo Grove High School theater, 1100 W. Dundee Road. Presentation of the colors, speeches, a service flag ceremony and 21-gun salute. Come at 12:15 p.m. for entertainment and refreshments.
College of Lake County
CLC's annual Veterans Day Ceremony is at noon Thursday, Nov. 10, in Room C005 (C Wing Auditorium) on the Grayslake campus, 19351 W. Washington St. The keynote speaker is Commander Robert S. Sullivan, executive officer of Naval Station Great Lakes. The event, which is open to the public, is sponsored by the CLC Student Activities Program Board. Call (847) 543-2290.
Crystal Lake
McHenry County College will host a Veterans Day Recognition program beginning with patriotic music by MCC Concert Band and Chorus at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, in the college's gym/multi-purpose room, Building A, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. The program begins at 9:30 a.m. The event is free. (815) 479-7635.
Des Plaines
Ÿ 8 a.m. Friday, at The Willows Academy gymnasium, 1015 Rose Ave., Des Plaines. Area veterans and community members are invited to the brief 8 a.m. reception before the 8:15 a.m. ceremony. Students will speak on the importance of our servicemen and women and the Willows Academy Chamber Choir will sing the national anthem.
Ÿ 11 a.m. Friday, at the Lake Park Memorial Pavilion, on Lee Street north of Howard. Des Plaines Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2992 and American Legion Post 36 will conduct the ceremony honoring military veterans and current service members of all branches. The guest speaker will be George Haupt, president of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Haupt was a Tomb Guard from Dec. 1, 1954 to Sept. 13, 1955. City officials and other local dignitaries will be present. For details, David Murphy at (847) 648-1036.
DuPage County
The DuPage County Historical Museum and the 8th IL Cavalry Reenactors will host a special Veterans Day ceremony at 2 p.m. Sunday at Wheaton Cemetery, 1209 S. Warrenville Road, Wheaton. The event will honor the fallen heroes of the Civil War. A wreath will be laid at the grave of Marcellus Jones, a member of the 8th Illinois Cavalry. One hundred and ninety eight men from DuPage County joined the 8th Illinois Cavalry and fought in several significant battles including Mechanicsville, the Peninsula Campaign, Brandy Station, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg.
Elk Grove Village
11 a.m. Friday, outside VFW Post 9284, 400 E. Devon Ave. A ceremonial flag-raising, gun salute, followed by a lunch for veterans upstairs at the post. (847) 439-9284.
Elgin
A Veterans Day ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11 at Veterans Memorial Park, on North Grove Avenue in Elgin. The ceremony will include music from the Elgin High School band, a speech by Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon and a rifle salute. VFW Post 57 will host a stew lunch following the ceremony at 820 N. Liberty St., Elgin.
Ÿ VFW Post 1307, 1601 Weld Road, will host its annual Veterans Day Dance and Marine Corps Birthday Celebration at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11. Tickets are $10 at the door. Call (847) 888-9809.
Ÿ American Legion Post 57, 820 N. Liberty St., will host a Veterans Day Dinner Saturday, Nov. 12. The cost is $11. Social hour begins at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. Call (847) 741-1684 or stop by the post.
Fox Lake
Fox Lake American Legion Post 703 hosts a Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at the Fox Lake Veterans Memorial at the Fox Lake Metra Station at Nippersink Drive and Grand Avenue.
Fox Valley
November marks the start of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's annual Toys For Tots Drive. On Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, Marines will serve guests from 5 to 7 p.m. at all seven Colonial Cafe & Ice Cream locations across the Fox Valley. Diners who bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots will receive a $1 coupon toward their food purchase. Visit colonialicecream.com.
Glen Ellyn
College of DuPage has a Veterans Day Celebration starting with a flag-raising and music at 8 a.m. Friday at the Homeland Security Education Center on its Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd. Other activities include a read-in from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., a hot dog lunch, Color Guard presentation and open house at the new Veterans Lounge at 2 p.m., and movies, games and refreshments at 5 p.m. Info: (630) 942-2444.
Glendale Heights
A Veterans Day ceremony will be held at Veterans Memorial Park, 220 Civic Center Plaza in Glendale Heights, at 11 a.m. Friday to honor all military past and present. Village offices will be closed on Veterans Day. Info: (630) 909-5303.
Gurnee
Gurnee American Legion Post 771 hosts a Veterans Day dinner open to the public from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at the legion hall at 749 N. Milwaukee Ave. Tickets are $10 each and available at the post bar or by calling Jim Huisel at (847) 910-3330.
Itasca
Itasca VFW Post 5167 will host a short Veterans Day celebration at 11 a.m. Friday in Usher Park, Bloomingdale and Irving Park roads, Itasca. And at 11 a.m. Saturday, the post will hold a second ceremony at Usher Park with a reception following at the Itasca Park District. For details, visit itasca.com.
Hampshire
On Friday, Nov. 11, Hampshire Middle School, 560 S. State St., will recognize parents and grandparents who are veterans or currently serving in the military starting at 12:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Larry Cappetto, producer of the PBS World War II series “Lest They Be Forgotten.” Call (847) 792-3200.
Hanover Park
7 p.m. Friday, at the Hanover Park village hall, 2121 W. Lake St. The village ceremony will honor area veterans.
Hoffman Estates
10:45 a.m. Friday, at the Veterans Memorial, outside the police department, 411 W. Higgins Road. Sponsored by the village's Veterans Memorial Commission. For details call Lt. J.C. Paez, (847) 781-2844.
Lake Zurich
Author Cyndee Schaffer will share excerpts of “Mollie's War,” the memoirs of her mother's experiences during World War II, at a Veterans Day book signing and talk at Silverado Senior Living-Lake Zurich, 555 America Court. Her 95-year-old mother hopes to attend the event. Silverado resident and Purple Heart recipient Stanley Skladzien, a Marine who was wounded on Guam in World War II, will also be on hand for the signing. The book signing is 10:30 a.m. to noon. It is free and open to the public, with refreshments and tours. Call (224) 286-1751.
Libertyville
The Second Brigade Motorcycle Club of Lake Villa hosts its annual Veterans Day breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, in the main dining room at Winchester House nursing home, Winchester Road and Milwaukee Avenue in Libertyville. Officers and Navy personnel will be on hand. The guest speaker is 10th District U.S. Rep. Robert Dold. This event is not open to the public.
Lindenhurst
Veterans memorial service is at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, on Lindenhurst village hall grounds, 2301 E. Sand Lake Road. The ceremonies include the Boy Scout Troop 87 Color Guard, the Lakes High School Marching Band and Lindenhurst VFW Post 4894. Army Maj. General (retired) James H. Mukoyama is the keynote speaker. Call (847) 356-8252 or visit lindenhurstil.org.
Lisle
Lisle VFW Post 5696 holds a Veterans Day ceremony at 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday in the auditorium of Lisle Junior High School, 5207 Center Ave. Info: (630) 271-9806.
Lombard
The village will honor Veterans Day with a ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday at Volunteer Plaza at the southwest corner of Main Street and St. Charles Road. During the ceremony, Lombard VFW Post 5815 and American Legion Post 391 will remember veterans of their posts who have recently died. Info: (630) 620-3083.
Mount Prospect
10:45 a.m. Friday, Lions Park Recreation Center, 411 S. Maple St. Hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1337. Keynote speaker is state Rep. David Harris, retired U.S. Army Major General. Honor guard, 21-gun salute, patriotic songs sung by students at Lions Park Elementary School and led by members of the St. Cecilia's Catholic Church choir. (847) 632-9333.
Palatine
10:30 a.m. Friday at the Veterans Memorial in Community Park, corner of Northwest Highway (Route 14) and East Wood Street. Featuring American Legion Post 690's Rifle Team and remarks by leaders of the Legion, the Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the Legion. Past Commander Fred Barton will present the keynote address. The program concludes with a rifle salute at 11 a.m.
Ÿ 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, Tamarack retirement community, 55 S. Greeley, Palatine hosts a free veterans benefits seminar and Outward Bound for Veterans fundraiser. Wartime veterans and surviving spouses will hear about little-known benefits available through the VA, then attend a Wall of Honor dedication and raffle. All donations benefit Outward Bound for Veterans, a nonprofit program that provides challenging learning expeditions for returning service members.
Ÿ All veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are invited to St. Theresa School in Palatine Friday for a celebration that honors them and their service. The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. at St. Theresa Church, 467 N. Benton St., Palatine. Refreshments after the service.
Naperville
Naperville will observe Veterans Day with a ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday at Veterans Park, 303 E. Gartner Road. The event will include a rifle salute, taps and music from the Naperville Municipal Band. Several veterans from the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 will attend a 7 a.m. breakfast at the Naperville Unit District 203 Administration Center, 203 Hillside Drive, before attending flag-raising ceremonies at district schools and convening at Veterans Park.
Ÿ St. Margaret Mary Church, 1450 Green Trails Drive, holds a memorial service with the military ministry at 7 p.m. Thursday. The memorial will honor all veterans with a special salute to those who served in World War II. The public is welcome to attend.
Schaumburg
11 a.m. Friday, at Veterans Gateway Park, at the intersection of Roselle and Schaumburg roads.
South Elgin
On Friday, Nov. 11, the South Elgin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2327 will host a Veterans Day service at 10 a.m. in Panton Mill Park, on Water Street. If raining, it'll be held at the Municipal Annex, 1 W. State St. Visit southelgin.com.
Ÿ Heritage Woods of South Elgin, 700 N. McLean Blvd., will hold a Veterans Day ceremony at 2 p.m. Nov. 11. South Elgin Village President Jim Hansen will be the master of ceremonies. Call (847) 531-8360.
Streamwood
11 a.m. Friday, at the Streamwood Veterans Memorial, 301 E. Irving Park Road, Streamwood: 11 a.m. The annual observance salutes all of America's men and women in uniform. www.streamwood.org.
Warrenville
VFW Post 8081 holds a memorial ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday at the Veterans Memorial on Stafford Place outside city hall. Info: (630) 393-9705.
Waukegan
Waukegan hosts its annual Veterans Day Parade at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11. It will start at Grand Avenue and Genesee Street. There will be a moment of silence and rifle salute at 11:11 a.m. at the Waukegan Veterans Plaza. For information, visit: http://www.waukeganmainstreet.org/
Ÿ Waukegan World War II Veterans Art Reception. Free buffet lunch for veterans and members of the military at the Undercroft Gallery in the lower level of Christ Episcopal Church, West Street and Grand Avenue. Scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., $3 for members of the general public. Gallery also features 50 wartime sketches and watercolors of World War II by veterans Malcolm Layson and Art Czajkowski. Call (847) 367-5308 for information.
West Chicago
The community Veterans Day service is at 10:30 a.m. Friday at American Legion Post 300, 123 Main St. Info: (630) 231-2112.
Wheaton
Cantigny Park and the First Division Museum will host a solemn tribute to veterans starting at dusk, around 6 p.m. Friday at Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. The ceremony includes about 2,200 luminarias placed on Cantigny Parade Field and the sidewalks around the museum. Each candle represents six 1st Infantry Division soldiers killed in action from World War I to present. Admission is free and open to all. Info: (630) 260-8227.
Ÿ Wheaton's Rolling Thunder Battalion holds a Veterans Day Ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 10, at the Sports and Recreation Complex Plaza of Wheaton College, 501 College Ave., Wheaton. Info: (630) 752-5015.
Wheeling
Ÿ 9 a.m. Friday, at the Indian Trails Public Library, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Library presentation honors those who have served in the military of our country.
Ÿ 11 a.m. Friday; short ceremony outside AMVETS Post 66, 700 McHenry Road, hosted by AMVETS and by VFW Post 981. Veterans invited to stay afterward and mingle.
Wood Dale
The city of Wood Dale will hold a breakfast for veterans and their families from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Salt Creek Golf Club, 701 W. Thorndale Ave. A public ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, 269 W. Irving Park Road will follow the breakfast. Info: (630) 766-4900.