In tribute: Veterans Day ceremonies, concerts across the suburbs

Communities across the suburbs will observe Veterans Day on Wednesday, 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 U.S. Armed Forces.

Thursday, Nov. 5

Veterans reception: 6-6:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at Woodridge Village Hall, 5 Plaza Drive, Woodridge. Join the village in honoring the veterans of VFW Memorial Post 1578 and remember Bob Reichert, a Vietnam War veteran and longtime Woodridge neighbor who dedicated decades to serving the community. facebook.com/VillageofWoodridge/.

Elgin During World War II: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at Gail Borden Public Library’s Meadows Community Rooms ABC, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Using period photos and newspaper clippings, historian Jerry Turnquist looks at how Elgin citizens and businesses were actively involved in the war effort. Register: gailborden.info.

Veteran Panel on Women’s Experiences: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at the DuPage County Historical Museum auditorium, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. Retired U.S. Army Major Steve Fixler will interview six decorated women veterans. Learn about the history of women in the military and the daily life for these service members. Free. Register: dupagemuseum.org.

Saturday, Nov. 7

Veterans Day Breakfast and Memorial Unveiling: 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at York Community High School, 355 W. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst. After years of planning and fundraising, the school’s Military History Club is unveiling The Memorial to the Fallen, a tribute honoring York graduates who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation. The memorial will be accompanied by a dedicated website highlighting the lives and legacies of these individuals, including their time at York and their military service. The morning will begin with a brief memorial unveiling ceremony at 8:30 a.m. outside Baker Auditorium, followed by the breakfast in the school cafeteria. It is free for veterans, their families and friends. Use the main entrance. Parking may be limited. Reserved spaces near the main entrance will be available for veterans and their guests. The club thanks American Legion Post T.H.B. 187 and Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce for their support in making this project possible. elmhurst205.org.

Brew It Forward: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Cantigny’s Tank Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Annual outdoor beer tasting benefits the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton. Beer tokens are five for $10 or 12 for $20 3-ounce pours. Veterans who attend can receive complimentary tastings. Participating breweries include 93 Octane, Bells, Blind Corner, Half Acre, Lagunitas, New Belgium, Penrose, Revolution and Tighthead. Family activities in the Tank Park. $16 parking. Tickets: cantigny.org/event/brew-it-forward-3/.

Day of Giving: Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, 1110 Jericho Road, Aurora. Fox Valley Marines host a special drive-up distribution for veterans and their families at the pantry. $10 Aldi gift cards for the first 50 cars and pre-made boxes of food for the first 150 cars. In addition to free groceries, veterans and family members in attendance can enjoy a hot meal, courtesy of the Mobile Meals truck and music from DJ Suave Smooth. facebook.com/FoxValleyMarines.

Veterans Day concert: 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, 1233 Douglas Ave., Montgomery. Pianist Huntley Brown will perform “God Bless America” during the patriotic concert. A bake sale will benefit the Montgomery VFW Post. Freewill offering for Huntley Brown Ministries. huntleybrown.org.

Sunday, Nov. 8

Lisle Veterans Day observance: 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Lisle Veterans Memorial, 4721 Center Ave., Lisle. Features medleys by the Lisle Community Band, color guard, the national anthem and dignitary remarks. Hosted by the Lisle Park District in collaboration with Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 and the Lisle Woodridge Fire Protection District. lisleparkdistrict.org.

Veteran Appreciation Luncheon: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Family Recreation Center, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook. Oak Brook Park District and Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital honor those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces with complimentary lunch provided by Lazy Dog Restaurant in Oak Brook. Veteran vendors will offer information, services, and support for veterans and their families. There will be crafts for kids. Free. Advance registration is required at obparks.org.

Veterans Day tribute: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Grafelman Park, 112 N. Fifth St., West Dundee. Hosted by Dundee Township Lions Club, the patriotic programs honor military service members. It will include displays of American flags by True Patriots Care, World War I and II re-enactments, emergency vehicle exhibitions, and performances by the Dundee Scottish Pipe Band and Echo Taps. Local historian Philip A. Aleo will speak at 12:30 p.m. about the day’s significance and the importance of honoring veterans and the American flag. The Lions will be offering free vision and hearing screenings for all ages from 1-4 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 401 W. Main St. dundeelions.org.

“Between the Lines: Letters From World War II”: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Ferguson Art Gallery in Concordia University Kretzmann Hall, 7400 Augusta St., River Forest. Naperville artist Marilyn Dale’s solo exhibit continues through Nov. 13, with an artist talk at 2 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Inspired by her father’s correspondence from the Pacific Theater during World War II, Dale transforms the intimate story of love and devotion into mixed-media paintings and new 3D works. The exhibit will be at Marmion Academy’s Scholl Gallery from Jan. 11 to Feb. 14. Gallery hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends. Free admission. A 2026 wall calendar benefiting the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 is available at marilyndale.com/letters.

Dinner for Veterans: 2-4 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St., East Dundee. Veterans and their family and friends are invited to a free dinner with Italian beef sandwiches, chicken fingers, mostaccioli, salad and green bean casserole catered by Karas Restaurant Group, with homemade desserts. To-go meals can be picked up at 3 or 3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot at 847-428-4477 or eventbrite.com.

“The Dragon From Chicago: An American Reporter in Nazi Germany”: 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Historian Pamela Toler uncovers the life of trailblazing Chicago Tribune Berlin bureau chief Sigrid Schultz, who reported and warned about the rise of Hitler and the Nazi regime. Presented in partnership with the Barrington Cultural Commission and the Barrington Writers Workshop. $28.52 or free for 18 and younger with a paid adult. Register: barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Monday, Nov. 9

Field of Honor: Nov. 9-13 at Jewett Park, 836 Jewett Park Drive, Deerfield. A panorama of 500 U.S. flags will be displayed with the theme “Honoring Our Veterans.” Hosted by the village of Deerfield. Proceeds benefit Midwest Veterans Closet and Lake County Honor Flight. healingfield.org.

Tuesday, Nov. 10

Honoring Veterans Blood Drive: 1:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the First Church of Lombard, 220 S. Main St., Lombard, and 3-7 p.m. in the mobile coach parked on the lower level of Yorktown Center outside of Von Maur. Residents are encouraged to donate blood in honor of veterans. Register: villageoflombard.org/402/Blood-Drives.

Wednesday, Nov. 11

Warrenville Veterans Day breakfast: 8:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, in the Warrenville Community Building gym, 3S240 Warren Ave., Warrenville. An opportunity to join together to express gratitude and appreciation for our nation’s veterans. Free for veterans, their spouses, children and special guests. Advance registration is required at warrenvilleparks.org.

Wood Dale Veterans Day breakfast: 8:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Salt Creek Golf Club, 1051 N. Prospect Ave., Wood Dale. All veterans are invited for breakfast, which includes a brief presentation retiring the 2025 Veterans Banners. Followed by a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park. Presented by VFW Tioga Post 2149, City of Wood Dale, Wood Dale Park District, and Itasca Bank & Trust. Seating is limited; one guest per veteran. Reservations are required at 630-787-3711.

Veterans Day ceremony: 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, around the flagpole at B.R. Ryall YMCA, 49 Deicke Drive, Glen Ellyn. After a few words from CEO Rob Wilkinson, join the Bright Beginnings Preschool in saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Doughnuts and coffee will follow. facebook.com/BRRyallYMCA.

Mount Prospect Veterans Day ceremony: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the RecPlex, 420 Dempster St., Mount Prospect. Join VFW Post 1337 and American Legion Post 525 to commemorate veterans. Keynote speaker will be Elizabeth Soto, Superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County. In addition to the annual ceremony, the veterans will be making school visits to educate children on patriotism. vfw1337.com.

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

Aurora’s 88th Veterans Day procession: 10:15-11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, in downtown Aurora. Steps off at the corner of Water Street and Downer Place, marching west on Downer Place to the Grand Army of the Republic Military Memorial Hall, 23 E. Downer Place, for a “Serving Our Country and Community” ceremony and military rifle salute by veteran organizations at 11 a.m. aurora-il.org.

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

St. Charles Veterans Day ceremony: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Fire Station No. 1, 112 N. Riverside Ave., St. Charles. The indoor ceremony will include the national anthem, an invocation, remarks, a gun salute and taps. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free public parking is available in the Municipal Building north lot. stcharlesil.gov.

Hoffman Estates Veterans Day ceremony: 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, 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 after the ceremony. Free. hoffmanestates.org.

Schaumburg Veterans Day Ceremony: 10:45 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Gateway Park, Roselle and Schaumburg roads, Schaumburg. Schaumburg Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2202 hosts the annual ceremony to honor military veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Schaumburg police and fire departments will perform the honor guard while flanked by the Schaumburg VFW Post 2202 Rifle Squad. villageofschaumburg.com.

Addison Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Wednesday, 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 a.m. to 4 p.m., stop by the Addison Historical Museum, 135 W. Army Trail Road, to view special exhibits on veterans. ithappensinaddison.com or facebook.com/AddisonEvents.

Barrington Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial, Park Avenue and Cook Street, Barrington. Join local veterans and dignitaries to honor Veterans Day. Refreshments will be served. Free. barrington-il.gov.

Bloomingdale Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Founders Gazebo, 101 Fairfield Way, Bloomingdale. Bloomingdale VFW Post 7539’s ceremony at Veterans Memorial monument. villageofbloomingdale.org or facebook.com/VFW7539.

Carpentersville’s Veterans Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville. cville.org.

Des Plaines Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. Hosted by the Des Plaines American Legion Post 36 and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 311. Light refreshments will be served after. facebook.com/DesPlainesAmericanLegionPost36.

Elburn Veterans Day observance: 11 a.m. Wednesday, 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. Wednesday, Nov. 11, in 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 is available in the parking deck on the southwest corner of Symphony Way and Grove Avenue. elginil.gov.

Geneva Veterans Day Salute: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Third and State streets in downtown Geneva. A salute will be presented by the American Legion honor guard. facebook.com/AMLGENEVAILPOST75 or genevapost75.org.

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

Gurnee Legion Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Wednesday, 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. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at The Moraine, 1201 Park Avenue West, Highland Park. Featuring American Legion Post 145, Jewish War Veterans Post 29 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 437. The Highland Park High School brass quintet and a student vocalist will perform. Speakers include Lt. Beau Nickerson, U.S. Navy Public Affairs Officer, Naval Services Training Command, and Lt. Dylan E. Panizo, U.S. Navy. VFW Post 4737’s David A. Buzard, a retired naval officer and attorney who serves as Vice Chair of the City’s Human Relations Advisory Group, will be honored as a “Hero Among Us.” Free. cityhpil.com.

Lindenhurst Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, in the Public Works Garage, 2301 E. Sand Lake Road, Lindenhurst. The ceremony speaker is Sergeant Danny Barrett, U.S. Army Signal Corps. Free. lindenhurstil.org.

Lombard Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Sunken Garden in Lombard Common Park, Grace and Maple streets, Lombard. It begins with a welcome from Village President Anthony Puccio, followed by an invocation from the Rev. David Carlton of Community Presbyterian Church. This year’s keynote speaker will be Lombard resident and U.S. Army Vietnam veteran Tom Zilla, currently Commander of Lombard VFW Lilac Post 5815. It also features performances by Glenbard East High student soloist Lucia Johnston, who will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.” Student bugler Max Waldschmidt will play the calls to assembly and retreat. Bagpiper Tammy Miceli will perform “America the Beautiful.” American Legion Post 391 and VFW Lilac Post 5815 members will participate. Lombard Junior Women’s Club will hand out American flags in commemoration. Members of the VFW Auxiliary will distribute poppies in recognition of veterans and their service. In case of inclement weather, it will be moved indoors to the village hall, 255 E. Wilson Ave. villageoflombard.org.

North Aurora Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the newly updated Veterans Memorial, Willow Way and Farview Drive, North Aurora. This year’s ceremony will feature the first American flag being raised at the memorial, as well as a flag retirement ceremony. northaurora.org.

Palatine American Legion Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. After the ceremony, a light lunch will be served. alpost690.us.

Streamwood Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Wednesday, 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. Wednesday, 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 featuring the presentation of colors, taps and speakers. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. Light refreshments will follow. villaparkvfw.org/events.

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

Buffalo Grove Veterans Day Celebration: 12:15-2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Community Arts Center, 225 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Free Culver’s lunch from 12:15-1 p.m. then the Saddle Shoe Sisters will pay tribute to veterans with classics such as “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “My Country ’Tis of Thee,” “America the Beautiful” and other patriotic favorites. Presented in partnership with the Indian Trails Public Library and Vernon Area Public Library. Free; registration required. bgparks.org/veterans-day-celebration. For questions, contact Elizabeth Quinzio at 847-850-2196 or elizabeth@bgparks.org.

Honoring our Heroes ― A Veterans Day Pop-Up Exhibit: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Lincoln Center, Downers Grove. A special Veterans Day pop-up exhibit on local military history and veterans. Bring mementos to add to the temporary exhibit, which will be open through Nov. 11. The closing reception will include refreshments and a short presentation on the history of local veterans. Free. dgparks.org.

Thanks for the Memories A USO Tribute: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Elgin Community College Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. A USO-style celebration by six vocalists and a five-piece band honoring the entertainers who performed for the troops during wartime. $35. tickets.eccartscenter.org.

Oak Brook Veterans Day ceremony: 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Oak Brook Village Hall, 1200 Oak Brook Road, Oak Brook. The Oak Brook Historical Society ceremony features William R. Shanklin, a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran who served during the Cold War and Vietnam War eras. oakbrookhistory.com.

“The Courage to Lead”: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Road, North Chicago. An evening with Ron Young, an Eagle Scout, Army combat veteran and former Apache helicopter pilot who was shot down and held as a POW for 23 days during the 2003 Iraq invasion before being rescued by U.S. Marines. He has since served as a CNN contributor, White House appointee, commercial pilot and “Amazing Race” finalist, and now speaks nationally about courage, resilience, leadership, service and the power of character. Social hour at 5 p.m. with the program at 6 p.m. Space is limited. Free; reservations are required via neic.org/ron-young-special-event.

20th annual Veterans Salute concert: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, in the St. Charles North High School auditorium, 255 Red Gate Road, St. Charles. Under the direction of John Wojciechowski and Kevin Dobbeck, the St. Charles North Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble present music by Gershwin, Whitacre, Young, Sousa and other American composers. Hosted by master of ceremonies Mark Powell, a retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel. A reception for veterans will be held before the concert. For free tickets, go to scnmusic.com/veterans-day-concert.

Hanover Park Veterans Day observance: 7 p.m. Wednesday, 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.

Veterans Day concert: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, 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 fourth annual Veterans Day concert. Free. rlapd.org.

Thursday, Nov. 12

“A City At War Chicago”: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. Journalist, pilot and historian Kris Habermehl speaks about how Chicagoland became a hub of wartime production during World War II. Food will be served and a cash bar will be available. $54.95. Tickets: wheatonparkdistrict.com.

Saturday, Nov. 14

Take a Hike to Honor Our Veterans: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 14, at Mellody Farm Nature Preserve, 350 N. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. Honor veterans, take guided hikes of Mellody Farm Nature Preserve, take part in family-friendly crafts and games, and have a light snack. Live music from the Broken Pieces Lovell VA Band. Free. Register at lfola.org/take-a-hike-day.

Cheers For Veterans gala: 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Bobak’s Signature Events, 6440 Double Eagle Drive, Woodridge. 16th annual fundraiser giving thanks to veterans. 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/events/

Veterans Day Dance: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Fox Lake American Legion Post 703, 703 N. Route 12, Fox Lake. Featuring the Lakes Area Swing Band, a cash bar and a 50/50 raffle. Doors open at 6 p.m. $20 or $25 per couple. Fox Lake American Legion Post Facebook page.

Sunday, Nov. 15

“World War II Radio Hour”: 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, in the St. Charles Public Library’s Carnegie Room, 1 S. Sixth Ave., St. Charles. Featuring Matt and Cynthia Gruel and a special guest performer bringing the spirit of the 1940s to life. Free. scpld.org.

Rockin’ for Heroes: A Veterans Day Tribute Featuring 7th heaven & Friends: 3:45 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at Joe’s Live Rosemont, 5441 Park Place, Rosemont. A Veterans Day tribute featuring performances by 7th heaven, Tony Ocean and The Main Event Band. Special tribute performance by The Bombshell Beauties and Military Brass. Proceeds benefit Friends of Fisher House of Illinois. $34.72-$89.72. joesliverosemont.com.

NaperVoice’s “America Sings at 250”: 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at Grace United Methodist Church, 300 E. Gartner Road, Naperville. Fifth annual Gather In Gratitude concert celebrates American choral music, including classical, folk song, gospel, jazz and Broadway. Proceeds benefit Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans. $21.50, $16.50 for seniors, $6 for 13 and older, and $1 for kids 12 and younger. Limited tickets at the door. napervoice.org.