2024 Veterans Day ceremonies, concerts across the suburbs
Communities across the suburbs will observe Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11, with ceremonies and concerts. Here are some of the events planned in the suburbs in honor of the men and women who have served in the United States armed forces.
THURSDAY, NOV. 7
“Victory at Sea” Veterans Day concert: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center, 2007 N. Civic Center Way, off Hook Drive, west of Route 83 in Round Lake Beach. Round Lake Area Community Concert Band performs a free concert. www.rlapd.org/music.
FRIDAY, NOV. 8
Veterans Dinner: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, at Meridian Banquets, 1701 W. Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadows. Veterans are invited to a complimentary dinner. Registration required. cityrm.org.
Icons of Country Veterans Day Salute the Troops: 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, at the PIAZZA, 85 Executive Drive, Aurora. This event is for ages 21 or older. Celebrate Veterans Day with a lineup of country music legends paying tribute to the brave men and women in uniform. Enjoy performances of classic hits and patriotic anthems that honor the spirit and sacrifice of our troops. $40 (standing only) or $200-$320 for tables of 4. facebook.com/iconsofcountrytributes.
SATURDAY, NOV. 9
Huntley Veterans Day Ceremony and Collection Event: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, in Huntley Square. The ceremony starts at 11 a.m. For the Honoring our Veterans Collection, bring donations to stock the shelves at New Horizons and Veteran’s Path to Hope. Hosted by the village and Huntley American Legion 673 Women’s Auxiliary. For a list of needed items, visit www.huntley.il.us.
Brew It Forward: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at First Division Museum, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Annual outdoor beer tasting benefits the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton. Purchase beer tokens for attending veterans or donate directly to the Midwest Shelter. Veterans who attend receive complimentary tastings. Family activities offered in Tank Park. Beer tasting packages include five, 3-oz. pours for $10 or 12 pours for $20. The breweries include: Alter, Bells, Freshie (Organic Tequila Seltzer), Goose Island, Half Acre, Krombacher, Lagunitas, New Belgium, 93 Octane, Solemn Oath, and Tight Head. Concessions available. Free admission; $15 parking fee. www.fdmuseum.org/event/brew-it-forward-3/.
Wood Dale Veterans Day ceremonies: 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, and Monday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial Park, 269 W. Irving Road. Two ceremonies hosted by VFW Tioga 2149. The Nov. 9 ceremony is co-hosted by the city, park district, and police and fire departments. The Nov. 11 ceremony is supported by city staff and community representatives. At noon Nov. 11, the post at 510 Georgetown Square in Wood Dale will host a Veterans Day luncheon celebration with hot dogs and refreshments. www.wooddale.com.
“Brothers in War” reception and screening: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, in Aurora. The City of Lights Film Festival features a screening of National Geographic’s “Brothers in War,” written and directed by Liz Reph, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Aurora City Council chambers, 44 E. Downer Place, followed by a reception from 5:45 to 7 p.m. at the Grand Army of the Republic, 23 E. Downer Place. Free but registration required via www.aurora-il.org.
Veterans Day Dance Sock Hop: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, Gurnee American Legion, 749 Milwaukee Ave. Second annual dance to 1950s-’60s music featuring DJ Rich Mosher, photographer and props, dessert and nonalcoholic drinks provided; alcoholic drinks available for purchase at the bar. Sponsored by the Gurnee American Legion Post 771, Gurnee American Legion Auxiliary Unit 771, and Friends of Gurnee American Legion. Suggested $10 donation. RSVP via www.gurneeamericanlegion.org.
Joe Cantafio & Friends Veterans Concert: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, Moonlight Theatre, 7 S. Second Ave., St. Charles. Featuring performances by Joe Cantafio of The Jade 50’s, Bob Blom of Reely Dan, and John Brandt, a USO entertainer and former member of Cheap Trick. A portion of the proceeds benefit The Fisher House Charities, which offers free lodging to military and veteran families. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $35. moonlighttheatre.com.
SUNDAY, NOV. 10
Lisle Veterans Day observance: 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at the Lisle Veterans Memorial, 4721 Center Ave., Lisle. Hosted by the Lisle Park District, in collaboration with Lisle VFW Post 5696 and the Lisle Woodridge Fire Protection District. Features medleys by the Lisle Community Band, color guard, national anthem and dignitary remarks. lisleparkdistrict.org.
Veterans Day Concert: Noon Sunday, Nov. 10, Elmhurst University Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, 190 S. Prospect. Featuring Elmhurst University bands. www.elmhurst.edu.
Veterans Day Author Event: 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at the Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane St., Glen Ellyn. Author Ned Ricks, a retired Army Major, will speak about his tour of duty in Vietnam. A display from the National Veterans Art Museum permanent collection will be available for viewing. gepl.org.
“In the Presence of Heroes: A Military Tribute”: 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 605 W. Golf Road, Mount Prospect. Mount Prospect Community Band’s fall concert will honor veterans, current military, police, firefighters, and all first responders. Featuring James Swearingen’s “In the Presence of Heroes”; Kenneth J. Alford’s “Cavalry of the Clouds”; Michael Mogensen’s “Aerial Fantasy”; selections from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific”; and audience favorite “Salute to Armed Forces,” now updated to include the Space Force. Guest trombone soloist Thomas Stark will perform Rimsky-Korsakov’s Concerto for Trombone and Military Band. $5 at the door. mppd.org/community-band/.
“Dinner for Veterans”: 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee. Veterans and their family and friends are invited to a free dinner with food catered by Aliano’s in East Dundee. A variety of pasta options, garlic bread, chicken, salad, and homemade desserts will be served. Reserve a spot via EventBrite.com by Friday, Nov. 8.
Jazz Consortium Big Band Salutes Veterans: 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at Durty Nellie's Gastropub and Entertainment Hub, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. 13th annual holiday food drive and musical salute for Veterans Day. McHenry Community High School returns as a special guest at 6 p.m. Bring canned or nonperishable food items, which will be delivered to the Palatine Township Food Pantry. Cover: $10 cash; $5 for ages 17 or younger. Seating is limited and reservations are encouraged at (847) 358-9150. Visit durtynellies.com.
MONDAY, NOV. 11
Warrenville Veterans Day Breakfast: 8:30-10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, Warrenville Community Building, 3S240 Warren Ave. An opportunity to join together as a community to express gratitude and appreciation for the nation's veterans. Free for veterans, their spouses, children or special guest. Advance registration required at www.warrenvilleparks.org.
Bensenville’s Veterans Day breakfast: 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at White Pines Golf Club banquet hall, 500 W. Jefferson St., Bensenville. The village, park district and Fenton High School invite Bensenville veterans and their families to dine for free. There will be a guest speaker and presentations by Fenton High School Defending Freedom Essay Contest winners. Registration is required at (630) 766-7015.
Downers Grove Veterans Day Breakfast: 9-10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. Learn about Downers Grove’s response to calls to military service and spend time talking to veterans about their experiences. Registration required. Free for veterans, $18 for residents, $27 for nonresidents. dgparks.org.
Hero Week — A Celebration for Our Veterans: Through Nov. 11 at the Lake in the Hills Village Hall, 600 Harvest Gate. Hero Wall with portraits of local veterans on display in the lobby. Accepting donations for a food drive for Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Food Pantry. Veterans Day pinning ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11; sign up to be included. recreation.lith.org.
Aurora Veterans Day Procession: 10:15-11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, in downtown Aurora. Steps off at the corner of Water Street and Downer Place, marching west on Downer Place to the G.A.R. Memorial Hall, 23 E. Downer Place, for a ceremony and military rifle salute by veteran organizations at 11 a.m. Jessica Lynch, who was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Prisoner of War Medal while serving in the U.S. Army in 2003, will be the keynote speaker. The parade features a variety of units, including local veterans organizations, public safety units, community organizations, and youth groups. aurora-il.org.
Bloomingdale Veterans Day ceremony: 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at the Bloomingdale Library gazebo, 101 Fairfield Way, Bloomingdale. Bloomingdale VFW Post 7539’s ceremony at Veterans Memorial monument. facebook.com/VFW7539.
Elmhurst Veterans Day ceremony: 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial at Wilder Park, 175 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. elmhurst.org.
Glen Ellyn Veterans Day ceremony: 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at Lake Ellyn Boat House, 645 Lenox Road. The gathering, hosted by Glen Ellyn American Legion Post 3, begins at 10:30 a.m., with the program at 11 a.m. For details, contact mikeformento@outlook.com.
Mount Prospect Veterans Day ceremony: 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at Lions Veterans Memorial Park, 411 S. Maple St., Mount Prospect. There will be a ceremony in the park house featuring keynote speaker retired U.S. Army Major Laura Matuszak. www.mountprospect.org.
St. Charles Veterans Day ceremony: 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, in Fire Station 1, 112 N. Riverside Ave., St. Charles. It begins with the singing of the national anthem, followed by a prayer, remarks, a closing prayer, gun salute and performance of taps. stcharlesil.gov.
Veterans Day Storytime: 10:30-11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at First Division Museum, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. West Chicago Public Library staff will share a story inspired by heroes, with a special guest reader who is a veteran. Sing along to patriotic songs and take home a veteran-themed activity (while supplies last). For kids 6 and younger, accompanied by an adult. Pick up a special parking pass for free admission from the library’s youth services desk (while supplies last). fdmuseum.org.
Hoffman Estates Veterans Day ceremony: 10:45 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at Hoffman Estates Police Department, 411 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. Join the Veterans Commission at the Hoffman Estates Veterans Memorial Site in honoring all who have served. www.hoffmanestates.org.
Schaumburg Veterans Day Ceremony: 10:45 a.m. to noon Monday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Gateway Park, Roselle and Schaumburg roads. Schaumburg Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2202 hosts the annual ceremony to honor military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Schaumburg police and fire departments will perform the honor guard while flanked by the Schaumburg VFW Post 2202 Rifle Squad. Schaumburg Christian Academy will perform before the ceremony. www.villageofschaumburg.com.
Addison Veterans Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at the Veterans Circle monument on the Village Green, southwest corner of Route 20 and Addison Road. Before the ceremony, stop by the open house at the Addison Historical Museum, 135 W. Army Trail Road, from 9-11 a.m. In case of inclement weather, it will be held in the village hall rotunda. facebook.com/AddisonEvents/.
Barrington Veterans Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial, Park Avenue and Cook Street, Barrington. Free. barrington-il.gov/events/veterans-day-ceremony-2.
Batavia Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, Batavia Overseas VFW Post 1197, 645 S. River St. Batavia Community Band will perform. vfw1197.org.
Brookfield Zoo Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at Brookfield Zoo Discovery Center, 8400 W. 31st St., Brookfield. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be a display of military memorabilia and vehicles. Get an up-close experience with the zoo’s animal ambassadors from 11-11:30 a.m. Enjoy music by the Legacy Girls from noon to 12:45 p.m. After the ceremony, the posting of colors and a performance of the national anthem will take place, followed by the Jesse White Tumblers. Free admission for all active, reservist and retired members of the military. brookfieldzoo.org//VeteransDay.
Des Plaines Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. -1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. Hosted by American Legion Post 36. www.desplaines.org.
Elburn Veterans Day observance: 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at American Legion Post 630, 112 N. Main St., Elburn. Hosted by the Elburn American Legion. elburnpost630.org/events.
Elgin Veterans Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at Centre of Elgin’s Heritage Ballroom, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin. The city and American Legion Post 57 honor our nation's veterans. Seating will be provided. Parking available in the parking deck on the southwest corner of Symphony and Grove. elginil.gov.
Geneva Veterans Day Salute: 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at Third and State streets, Geneva. A salute will be presented by the American Legion honor guard. American Legion Post 75, 22 S. Second St., hosts an open house from 5-9 p.m., with a raffle drawing and cash bar. facebook.com/AMLGENEVAILPOST75 or genevapost75.org.
Glendale Heights Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial Park, 1611 Bloomingdale Road, Glendale Heights. Ceremony marked by a flag and color guard presentation, rifle salute and a tribute to the “Fallen Warriors.” glendaleheights.org.
Gurnee Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. to noon Monday, Nov. 11, Gurnee American Legion Post 771, 749 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee. Join the Gurnee American Legion to pay tribute to America's living veterans. Free. gurneeamericanlegion.org.
Highland Park Veterans Day program: 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at the Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Ave. hplibrary.org.
Itasca Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at Usher Park, 201 S. Walnut St., Itasca. Co-hosted by Tioga VFW Post 2149. In case of inclement weather, it will be held in the Itasca Park District gym, 350 E. Irving Park Road. At noon, the post at 510 Georgetown Square in Wood Dale will host a Veterans Day luncheon celebration with hot dogs and refreshments. vfw2149.org.
Lake Barrington Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at The Lodge at The Shores of Lake Barrington, 64 Old Barn Road, Lake Barrington Shores. The veterans of Lake Barrington Shores invite area active-duty military, veterans and their families to the annual Veterans Days ceremony. Retired U.S. Navy Commander Nicholas Kalkas will be the keynote speaker. www.lakebarrington.org.
Lindenhurst Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, Lindenhurst Paul Baumunk Veterans Memorial, at the entrance to the Lindenhurst Village Hall, 2301 E. Sand Lake Road. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be relocated to the public works garage behind the village hall. lindenhurstil.org.
Lombard Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at the Sunken Garden in Lombard Common Park, Grace and Maple streets. After the mayor’s welcome, there will be an invocation from Father Jeff Stoneberg of Christ the King Catholic Parish. This year's keynote speaker will be Brett Nila, a U.S. Army veteran with 30 years of service in the Army, Illinois National Guard and Army Reserves. He’s also an active member of the VFW Lilac Post 5696 in Lisle and currently serves as the Department of Illinois State Commander. Glenbard East student Grace Boddy will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.” Glenbard East bugler Max Waldschmidt will play the call to assembly and retreat. Lombard Junior Women’s Club will be handing out American flags in commemoration. Bring a lawn chair. In case of inclement weather, it will be moved indoors to the village hall, 255 E. Wilson Ave. www.villageoflombard.org.
North Aurora Veterans Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at the Veterans Memorial, Willow Way and Farview Drive, North Aurora. After the ceremony, coffee and refreshments will be available at the North Aurora Police Department. northaurora.org.
Palatine American Legion Veterans Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. to noon Monday, Nov. 11, at Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. The Veterans Day observance will feature the officers from Post 690. Speakers will include Jill Robertson and Erica Bartnicki, presidents, American Legion Auxiliary; Mike Rocha, commander, Sons of the American Legion Squadron; and Mark Cramer, commander, American Legion Palatine Post 690. Free. alpost690.us.
Streamwood Veterans Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at the Veterans Memorial, 301 E. Irving Park Road, Streamwood. Join village President Billie D. Roth, the board of trustees and the Veterans Memorial Commission as they honor the men and women who have served in times of peace and war. www.streamwood.org.
Villa Park and Oakbrook Terrace Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at VFW Post 2801, 39 E. St. Charles Road, Villa Park. The city hosts the ceremony in conjunction with the Villa Park VFW. It features the presentation of colors, patriotic songs by Willowbrook High School Choir, taps, and speakers Jimmy Urso, Ron Rakosnik and Amy Raffel. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. invillapark.com.
Woodridge Veterans Day: 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at the Woodridge Public Library, 3 Plaza Drive. woodridgelibrary.org.
Buffalo Grove Veterans Day Celebration: 12:15-1:15 p.m. reception and 1:30 p.m. program Monday, Nov. 11, at Community Arts Center, 225 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Join and honor all veterans, their families and friends. VFW Post 981 Color Guard will present and remove the colors, as well as present a special Armed Services flag presentation. Lunch will be served before the program. All ages are invited to this free program. For details, contact Derek Hoffman at (847) 850-2119 or derek@bgparks.org. www.bgparks.org/veterans-day-celebration/.
18th annual Veterans Salute Concert: 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, in the St. Charles North High School auditorium, 255 Red Road, St. Charles. Under the direction of John Wojciechowski and Kevin Dobbeck, the St. Charles North Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble present an evening of patriotic music in celebration and honor of local veterans in the community. Hosted by master of ceremonies Mark Powell, a retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel. A reception for all veterans will be held at 5 p.m. in the auditorium lobby. Seats are limited. For free tickets, go to scnmusic.com/veterans-day-concert by Thursday, Nov. 7.
Hanover Park Veterans Day observance: 7-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, in Village Board Room 214, 2121 W. Lake St., Hanover Park. The Hanover Park Veterans Committee hosts an event to salute and honor veterans. Keynote speaker is Wes Becton, executive leadership coach and business consultant. Becton served as a platoon leader in the Demilitarized Zone in Korea and later as the commander of the U.S. Army’s Honor Guard Company. Free. hanoverparkillinois.org.
Hometown Heroes of the 745th: 7-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at the DuPage County Historical Museum auditorium, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. Retired U.S. Army Officer Steve Fixler shares the history of the 745th independent tank battalion that supported the First Infantry Division during World War II. Fixler, a volunteer at the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park, will discuss and honor DuPage and Northern Illinois soldiers from the 745th. Get an up-close look at a WWII tanker uniform as well as photographs and maps from the time. Walk-ins welcome. Free. Register: wheatonparkdistrict.com.
Pickwick Theatre Classic Film Series: 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, and 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, Pickwick Theatre, 5 S. Prospect Ave, Park Ridge. Two showings of the 1946 classic “The Best Years of Our Lives,” about the hope and hardships of veterans returning from World War II. The film, which won nine Oscars, including Best Picture, is directed by William Wyler and stars Fredric March, Myrna Loy, Dana Andrews, Teresa Wright, Virginia Mayo and Harold Russell (the only actor to ever receive two Academy Awards for the same role). Organist Jay Warren will perform the preshow music at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 11: $10 advance or $12 at the door; Nov. 12: $10. facebook.com/pickwickclassicfilm.
Tuesday, Nov. 12
Honoring Veterans Blood Drive: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, in the mobile coach parked on the lower level of Yorktown Center outside of Von Maur, and 1:30-7 p.m. at First Church of Lombard, 220 S. Main St., Lombard. Residents are encouraged to donate blood in honor of veterans. villageoflombard.org/402/Blood-Drives.
“Thanks for the Memories, A USO Tribute”: 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, at ECC Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Paying homage to those entertainers who sang and danced for the troops during the 1940s, this USO Salute featuring a five-piece band and six singers includes a tribute to such artists as the Andrews Sisters, Judy Garland, Bob Hope, Rosemary Clooney and more. $32. eccartscenter.org.
FRIDAY, NOV. 15
Cheers For Veterans gala: 6-11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, at Bobak’s Signature Events, 6440 Double Eagle Drive in Woodridge. 14th annual fundraiser giving thanks to veterans features fine food, open bar, keynote speaker U.S. Marine Corps veteran Lynn Lowder, live auction, and raise the paddle. $200. Tickets: www.napervilleresponds.org.
SATURDAY, NOV. 16
Take a Hike to Honor Our Veterans: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at Mellody Farm Nature Preserve, 350 N. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. Take a guided hike in collaboration with Trickster Cultural Center and Lake Forest Open Lands. Crafts and a light lunch at this family event. Free. Register at lfola.org/take-a-hike-day/.