2025 Veterans Day ceremonies, concerts across the suburbs

Communities across the suburbs will observe Veterans Day on Tuesday, 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 services.

Tuesday, Nov. 11

Palatine American Legion Veterans Day Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Palatine High School, 1111 N. Rohlwing Road, Palatine. To honor veterans in the community. Free. RSVP by e-mailing cbays@d211.org. alpost690.us.

Honoring Veterans Blood Drive: Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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. Residents are encouraged to donate blood in honor of veterans. villageoflombard.org/402/Blood-Drives.

Warrenville Veterans Day Breakfast: 8:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, 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 guests. Advance registration required at warrenvilleparks.org.

Bensenville’s Veterans Day breakfast: 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, 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. Highlights include a guest speaker as well as presentations by Fenton High School Defending Freedom Essay Contest winners. Registration is required by Nov. 3 at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood St. bvilleparks.org.

Aurora’s 87th Veterans Day Procession: 10:15-11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, 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. aurora-il.org.

Elmhurst Veterans Day ceremony: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Memorial at Wilder Park, 175 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Join the Elmhurst Veterans Commission and the American Legion THB Post 187 as they honor those who have served the nation. elmhurst.org.

Mount Prospect Veterans Day ceremony: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, RecPlex, 420 Dempster St., Mount Prospect. Join VFW Post 1337 and American Legion Post 525 to commemorate veterans. Elizabeth D. Soto, superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County, will be the keynote speaker. vfw1337.com.

South Elgin Veterans Day ceremony: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, in the board room at Public Safety Center, 50 N. Water St., South Elgin. southelgin.com.

St. Charles Veterans Day ceremony: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, in Fire Station 1, 112 N. Riverside Ave. It begins with the singing of the national anthem, followed by a prayer, remarks, a closing prayer, gun salute and taps performance. stcharlesil.gov.

Hoffman Estates Veterans Day ceremony: 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Veterans Memorial site at the Hoffman Estates Police Department, 411 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. Light refreshments will be served at the police department following the ceremony. Free. hoffmanestates.org.

Schaumburg Veterans Day Ceremony: 10:45 a.m. to noon Tuesday, 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. villageofschaumburg.com.

Wheaton Veterans Day ceremony: 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave., Wheaton. The ceremony that will conclude with a final salute at 11 a.m. wheatonparkdistrict.com.

Addison Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Circle at the far east end of the Village Green, 1 Friendship Plaza. Featuring guest speakers and music that honor the heroes who have bravely defended the nation. Rain or shine. Parking available on Army Trail Road, south of Village Green. From 9 to 11 a.m., stop by the Addison Historical Museum, 135 W. Army Trail Road, for special exhibits on veterans. Later in the day, Addison VFW Post 7446, 446 W. Lake St., is giving out food and drinks from 2 to 5 p.m. Visit facebook.com/AddisonEvents.

Barrington Veterans Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial, Park Avenue and Cook Street, Barrington. Join local veterans and dignitaries to honor Veterans Day. Free. barrington-il.gov.

Bloomingdale Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Bloomingdale Library gazebo, 101 Fairfield Way. Bloomingdale VFW Post 7539's ceremony at Veterans Memorial monument. New this year, the village is installing flagpoles for the six branches of the military. facebook.com/VFW7539.

Brookfield Zoo Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, 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. Have 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 a routine by the Jesse White Tumblers. brookfieldzoo.org//VeteransDay.

Carpentersville Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville. cville.org.

Elburn Veterans Day observance: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at American Legion Post 630, 112 N. Main St. Hosted by Elburn American Legion. elburnpost630.org/events.

Elgin Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, Centre of Elgin’s Heritage Ballroom, 100 Symphony Way in Elgin. The city and American Legion Post 57 honor our nation's veterans. Seating will be provided. Parking is available in the parking deck on southwest corner of Symphony and Grove. elginil.gov.

Fox Lake Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Fox Lake Train Station, 32 Nippersink Blvd. Hosted by the Fox Lake American Legion Post 703. Auxiliary volunteers also are distributing poppies throughout the community. Donations received help to support programs for local veterans, military personnel, and their families. Visit foxlakeamericanlegion.org.

Geneva Veterans Day Salute: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Third and State streets in downtown Geneva. A salute will be presented by the American Legion honor guard. American Legion Post 75, 22 S. Second St., hosts a Veterans Day Gathering from noon to 3 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 8, consider donating to Gifts For the Yanks from 9 a.m. to noon to support hospitalized veterans. facebook.com/AMLGENEVAILPOST75 or genevapost75.org.

Glendale Heights Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial Park, 1611 Bloomingdale Road. Ceremony is marked by a flag and color guard presentation, rifle salute, and a tribute to the “Fallen Warriors.” glendaleheights.org.

Gurnee Legion Veterans Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at American Legion Post 771, 749 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee. Pay tribute to America’s veterans. Refreshments will be available after the ceremony. Free. gurneeamericanlegion.org.

Highland Park Veterans Day program: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at The Moraine, 1201 Park Avenue West, Highland Park. Speakers will include Mayor Nancy Rotering, representatives from local veteran groups will be present, and the Highland Park High School brass quintet and singers will perform. Free. hplibrary.org.

Lindenhurst Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, Lindenhurst Paul Baumunk Veterans Memorial, at the entrance to the Lindenhurst Village Hall, 2301 E. Sand Lake Road. Ceremony to honor veterans. Free. lindenhurstil.org.

Lombard Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Sunken Garden in Lombard Common Park, Grace and Maple streets. It begins with a welcome from Village President Anthony Puccio and an invocation from Pastor Jill Terpstra of First Church of Lombard. This year’s keynote speaker will be Vietnam veteran Tom Zilla, who serves as Commander of VFW Lilac Post 5815. Glenbard East High School student Olive Turner will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.” Glenbard East bugler Benjamin Castro-Jimenez will play the call to assembly and retreat. Lombard Junior Women's Club will be handing out American flags in commemoration. In case of inclement weather, it will be moved indoors to the village hall, 255 E. Wilson Ave. villageoflombard.org.

Naperville Veterans Day observance: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, on Rotary Hill, 443 Aurora Ave., Naperville. In addition, the fifth annual Healing Field of Honor continues through Nov. 12 at Rotary Hill, hosted by Naperville Park District, Operation Support Our Troops — America, Naperville Responds for Veterans, and other organizations. This year’s theme, “Welcome Home,” commemorates service members’ return from Vietnam 50 years ago. Taps will play at 5 p.m. each day. osotamerica.org/Naperville-healing-field-of-honor.

North Aurora Veterans Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Veterans Memorial, Willow Way and Farview Drive. After the ceremony, coffee and refreshments are available at the North Aurora Police Department. northaurora.org.

Palatine American Legion Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. Veterans Day observance. Speakers will include American Legion Auxiliary Presidents Jill Robertson and Erica Bartnicki, former Sons of the American Legion Squadron Commander John Nemanich and American Legion Palatine Post 690 Commander Mark Cramer. The Legion color guard will also participate. Free. alpost690.us.

Rolling Meadows Veterans Day Gathering: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Bell Tower/Veterans Memorial on Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. An informal gathering including the playing of taps, the national anthem, and other patriotic songs. Free. cityrm.org.

Streamwood Veterans Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Veterans Memorial, 301 E. Irving Park Road, Streamwood. Honor the men and women who have served in times of peace and war. The event will feature a performance by the Celebration Brass Quintet. streamwood.org.

Villa Park and Oakbrook Terrace Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, VFW Post 2801, 39 E. St. Charles Road, Villa Park. The city hosts the ceremony in conjunction with the Villa Park VFW. Featuring the presentation of colors, taps, and speakers. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. villaparkvfw.org/events.

Wood Dale Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial Park, 269 W. Irving Park Road, Wood Dale. Hosted by the VFW Tioga 2149. Dress for the weather. Free. wooddale.com.

Woodridge Veterans Day: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, Woodridge Public Library, 3 Plaza Drive. Woodridge VFW Post 1578 will hold its annual service inside the library. woodridgelibrary.org.

Buffalo Grove Veterans Day Celebration: 4:30-5:30 p.m. reception and 5:30 p.m. program Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Community Arts Center, 225 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Honoring 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. Free; registration required. bgparks.org/veterans-day-celebration.

19th annual Veterans Salute Concert: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, in the St. Charles North High School auditorium, 255 Red Road Road. 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 our 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. For free tickets, go to scnmusic.com/veterans-day-concert.

Veterans Day reception: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, in the Schoenherr Art Gallery in North Central College's Wentz Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Featuring “Between the Lines,” a solo art exhibit with over 25 pieces inspired by World War II letters written nearly every day by Marilyn Dale's father while serving in the Pacific Theater, 1944-45. Refreshments will be served. It is open to the public. The exhibit continues to Dec. 5. Gallery hours are 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, 2 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, or 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Visit americanlegionthb187.org.

Hanover Park Veterans Day observance: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Village Board Room 214, 2121 W. Lake St., Hanover Park. The Hanover Park Veterans Committee hosts an event to salute and honor veterans. Free. hanoverparkillinois.org.

Wednesday, Nov. 12

Veterans Day concert: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, 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. The Round Lake Area Community Concert Band’s third annual Veterans Day concert. Free. rlapd.org.

Saturday, Nov. 15

Take a Hike to Honor Our Veterans: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 15, at Mellody Farm Nature Preserve, 350 N. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. Honor veterans, take guided hikes of Mellody Farm Nature Preserve and enjoy crafts, games and a light snack for all ages. Free. Register at lfola.org/take-a-hike-day.

Cheers For Veterans gala: 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at Bobak’s Signature Events, 6440 Double Eagle Drive in Woodridge. 15th annual fundraiser giving thanks to veterans features fine food, open bar, live auction, and raise the paddle. Keynote speaker is Dr. Richard Lee, U.S. Army Vietnam veteran. The evening begins with a cocktail hour and hors d'oeuvres from 6-7 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. $200. Tickets: napervilleresponds.org/cheers2025/.