Veterans see support waning as war continues

Four years into an increasingly unpopular war, Terry Jelinek knew it would get like this.

Attendance is dropping at public observations of Veterans Day, Memorial Day and even Sept. 11 remembrances.

The former Navy petty officer, who now serves as the quartermaster at Naperville's Judd Kendall VFW Post, saw plenty of apathy and disregard upon his return from Vietnam.

"This was the thing I worried about right from the beginning when the president remarked that we had to have the resolve to stay the course and he kept saying things in the long term," Jelinek said.

"In this day and age, what is the long term? Everything happens so quick that long term to a lot of people is one, maybe two years. After four, we're seeing people forgetting about it."

So his expectations are low going into this weekend's Veterans Day observance in Naperville.

"People serving in the military are just doing their jobs and people need to remember that," he said. "They don't get to pick and choose where they do their jobs."

Jelinek and other members of Naperville's Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 and American Legion Post 43 are organizing Sunday's salute to the city's veterans with an 11 a.m. observance at Veteran's Park on Gartner Road, just east of Washington Street.

The Naperville Municipal Band will perform a medley of Armed Forces songs, and commanders from both posts will give short speeches, Jelinek said.

That evening, the VFW post has its annual Veterans Day dinner. All veterans are invited to attend and the cost is $12 per person. Turkey and all the trimmings will be served to get "everyone prepared for Thanksgiving," Jelinek said.

Dinner reservations can be made by calling (630) 355-7664.

Naperville Park District also is honoring veterans this weekend with discounted greens fees at Springbrook and Naperbrook golf courses Friday through Sunday. Veterans will receive half off the cost throughout the weekend.

"We just wanted to start a program that we thought was special, and hopefully continue it into the future," said Ed Provow, director of golf services for the district.

"They don't have to bring in any special ID, we're taking everyone's word for it. If they say they're a veteran, we'll believe it."

If you go

What: Naperville Veterans Day ceremony

When: 11 a.m. Sunday

Where: Veterans Park on Gartner Road, just east of Washington Street