First Division Museum to honor all veterans with two events
The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road in Wheaton, will celebrate Veterans Day with multiple programs suitable for all ages.
The official end of World War I occurred on Nov. 11, 1918. America has observed the day ever since - first as Armistice Day, and since 1954 as Veterans Day. The holiday celebrates all veterans, living or dead, but especially gives thanks to those still with us today. Cantigny embraces this annual tradition.
Parking and admission are complimentary for these events and programs:
On Saturday, Nov. 9, the third annual "Brew It Forward" will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Tank Park. Thank those who served for America's freedom by enjoying a craft beer tasting to benefit the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton. Guests can donate to the shelter or purchase a brew for a veteran. Fourteen breweries are scheduled to attend. Three-ounce beers are $2; three for $5; or seven for $10. Other beverages and food will be available for purchase. Family activities include Cantina Cantigny hot chocolate station and preparing gift bags for veterans. Driving demonstrations of the museum's newly acquired World War II-era M5A1 Stuart Tank will take place in the First Division Museum parking lot at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.
On Monday, Nov. 11, spend an evening at the First Division Museum and meet community veteran groups that embody the spirit of Veterans Day by giving back to those who served.
"Spirit at Sundown: Veterans Day Commemoration" will be 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Quilts of Valor will celebrate and honor four veterans during a special quilt presentation ceremony at 5 p.m.
At 6 p.m., there will be the Trickster Art Gallery Native Veteran Drum Circle and Dance. Witness a Native American song and dance performance from Schaumburg's Trickster Art Gallery in tribute to all veterans.
Veteran groups attending: Honor Flight Chicago, Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, Honor Flight Chicago, Land of Lincoln Quilts of Valor and Veterans Garden Project.
Parking at Cantigny is free all day. The First Division Museum, normally closed on Mondays, will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For information, please visit www.fdmuseum.org.
About the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park
The First Division Museum, part of Robert R. McCormick Foundations, promotes public learning about America's military heritage and affairs through the history of the "Big Red One"-the famed 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. The museum's main exhibit hall, First in War, transports visitors to the trenches of World War I, the beaches of World War II and the jungles of Vietnam. Outside, tanks are displayed from every era, along with artillery pieces and a personnel carrier. The Robert R. McCormick Research Center, open to the public, houses the museum's library, archival and photo collections. For more information, visit www.fdmuseum.org.