Veterans Day events honor those who've served

Update: Due to a forecast of rain and high winds, the Aurora Veterans Day Parade has been canceled and the ceremony has been moved indoors, with an 11 a.m. start time. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. at city hall, 44 E. Downer Place. Priority seating will be given to veterans and their families. For more, go to www.facebook.com/cityofaurorail/.

Veterans Day is Thursday, Nov. 11. The following events throughout the suburbs will honor and pay tribute to those who have served.

Nov. 6

Veterans Day Celebration and Breakfast: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, at Luther Village Wittenberg Commons, Lakeview Club, 1250 Village Drive, Arlington Heights. RSVP between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at (847) 670-7200.

Veterans Day Craft: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 6, at the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. A take-and-make craft kit to benefit the building of the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial in Washington, D.C. Donation suggested; parking is $5. cantigny.org.

Nov. 7

Lisle Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 7, at Lisle Veterans Memorial, 921 School St., Lisle. Ceremony will be held in-person and live streamed via Zoom. Sign up for livestream at lisleparkdistrict.org/specialevents.html.

Veterans Day Band Concert: Noon to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7, Elmhurst University's Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, 190 S. Prospect Ave, Elmhurst. Elmhurst University band performs patriotic music in celebration of veterans. Free. www.exploreelmhurst.org.

Nov. 10

Veteran's Breakfast: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, The Grand at Twin Lakes, 920 E. Northwest Hwy., Palatine. Registration required; call (224) 338-1880.

Veterans Day blood drive: Wednesday, Nov. 10, 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 to 7 p.m. at First Church of Lombard, 220 S. Main St., Lombard. Lombard's community blood drive in honor of Veterans Day. All donors will receive a $15 e-gift card. Sign up at villageoflombard.org/blooddrives.

Nov. 11

GAPL Veterans Day: 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at the Grayslake Area Public Library, 100 Library Lane, Grayslake. The Grayslake Area Public Library and the Lake County Veterans and Family Services Foundation invite veterans and the general public to join in a special raising of the colors and flag to commemorate those who have served. Grayslake North High School Ensemble will provide music. www.grayslake.info.

Harper College Veterans Day Ceremony: Virtually from 9-9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. In recognition of Veterans Day 2021, join Harper College to honor those who served. To attend virtually, visit livestream.com/harpercollege/vetday2021.

Schaumburg Veterans Day Ceremony: 9:40-11:15 a.m. at Veterans Gateway Clock Tower, southwest corner of Schaumburg and Roselle roads, Schaumburg. Schaumburg VFW Post 2202 will host a ceremony that includes a presentation of colors, spiritual invocations, taps and the distribution of poppies. Performance by the Schaumburg Christian School Choir. The keynote speaker is U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Gina Strameglio. Contact Marco at (847) 702-5014.

Aurora Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at city hall, 44 E. Downer Place, Aurora. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Priority seating will be given to veterans and their families. Due to rain and high winds, the parade has been canceled. In honor of the 35th anniversary of the Military Women's Memorial in Washington, D.C., the grand marshals will be a unit of women veterans, as well as Cecilia Lopez Leyva, the mother of fallen U.S. Marine Corporal Sara Medina, an East Aurora High School grad who was killed in 2015 while on duty in Nepal. www.aurora-il.org/VeteransDay.

St. Charles Veterans Day Ceremony: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, Fire Station 1, 112 N. Riverside Ave., St. Charles. Dedicated to remembering all service veterans for their service and sacrifice. Hosted by St. Charles VFW Post 5036. www.stcharlesveteranscenter.org.

Hoffman Estates Veterans Day Ceremony: 10:45 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, Veterans Memorial site at the Hoffman Estates Police Department, 411 W. Higgins Road. The Hoffman Estates Veterans Memorial Commission invites the community to join them for the annual Veterans Day ceremony. www.hoffmanestates.org.

Waukegan Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony: 10:45-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial Plaza, 4 S. West St., Waukegan. The parade will step off from Washington and Genesee streets, traveling west to Veterans Memorial Plaza. The ceremony will be held immediately following the conclusion of the parade. www.waukeganil.gov.

Wheaton Veterans Day ceremony: 10:45 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave., Wheaton. American Legion Post 76's annual Veterans Day ceremony for those who have served. A flag presentation and taps will be followed by a moment of silence. From Nov. 7-11, a presentation of American flags representing veterans in the community is installed at the park beginning each day at 3 p.m. Each day at dusk, the national anthem will be sung, followed by a performance of taps and bagpipes. Flags will be on display and for sale for $25. It will benefit American Legion Post 589. www.wheaton.il.us.

American Legion Post 690 Veterans Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. at the Veteran's Memorial at Community Park, Wood Street and Northwest Highway, Palatine. American Legion Post 690 Veterans Day program features speakers Brenda Munagian, president, American Legion Auxiliary, Palatine Post 690; John Nemanich, commander, Sons of the American Legion Squadron, Palatine Post 690; and Paul Clausell, commander, American Legion Palatine Post 690. The Legion color guard will participate. Following the ceremony, all are invited to join in an informal lunch and open house at Post 690, 122 W. Palatine Road. www.alpost690.us.

Bloomingdale Veterans Day ceremony and dedication: 11-11:45 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at Bloomingdale Library gazebo, 101 Fairfield Way. Bloomingdale VFW Post 7539 to dedicate the Veterans Memorial monument. www.facebook.com/VFW7539.

Elgin Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, in the Heritage Ballroom, 100 Symphony Way. The ceremony will feature a welcome from Mayor David Kaptain and guest speaker Jerry Turnquist, as well as several musical selections from the Larkin High School Band and representation from local veterans organizations. Hosted by the City of Elgin, in partnership with American Legion Post 57. Free. www.cityofelgin.org.

Geneva Veterans Day Salute: 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at Third and State streets, Geneva. Fox River-Geneva American Legion Post 75 Honor Guard will present a Veterans Day Salute. Stop by an open house with live music, a cash bar and raffle drawing, from 3-9 p.m. at the post home, 22 S. Second St. On Friday, Nov. 12, see the opening of the Veterans Art Show, featuring several local artists, from 6-8 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 20, donate to the Gifts for the Yanks program for hospitalized war veterans from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the post home. www.facebook.com/AMLGENEVAILPOST75/.

Glen Ellyn Veterans Day: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at Lake Ellyn, 645 Lenox, Glen Ellyn. Glen Ellyn American Legion Post 3 ceremony. Follow Post 3 on Facebook or contact Commander Michael Formento at mikeformento@outlook.com.

Glendale Heights Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial Park, 220 Civic Center Plaza, 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 Thursday, Nov. 11, at the American Legion Home, 749 N. Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee. The Gurnee American Legion Post 771 and the Village of Gurnee will host a ceremony with guest speaker Lt. Staci Jones, MSC, USN; the Gurnee Park District Viking Singers; Gurnee Queens and more. (847) 244-9282 or www.gurnee.il.us.

Lindenhurst Veterans Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at the Paul Baumunk Veterans' Memorial, 2301 E. Sand Lake Road, Lindenhurst. www.lindenhurstil.org.

Lombard Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at the Sunken Garden in Lombard Common Park, Grace and Maple streets. Keynote speaker will be Dennis Jensen, a Vietnam War veteran and VFW Lilac Post 5815 Commander. Glenbard East High School student Jayda Swapsy will perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America." Taps will be played by Glenbard East buglers TJ Villasenor and Allison Schmuldt. Bring a lawn chair if needed. www.villageoflombard.org.

Naperville Veterans Day service: 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Park, 303 E. Gartner Road, Naperville. Arrive by 10:45 a.m. www.naperlegion.org/news

Streamwood Veterans Day Observance: 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, Veterans Memorial, 301 E. Irving Park Road, Streamwood. This annual observance salutes all of America's men and women in uniform. www.streamwood.org.

Waubonsee Veterans Day Observance: 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, Nov. 11, at Waubonsee Community College Academic and Professional Center, 110BC, Route 47 at Waubonsee Drive, Sugar Grove. Featuring remarks by Jeffrey Gregor, dean for Health Professions and Public Service. The event will also feature a presentation of colors by members of the West Aurora High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, as well as patriotic music selections by faculty. Honoring all the men and women who have served. Immediately afterward, all veterans are invited to participate in a group photo. View virtually at www.waubonsee.edu/vetsday.

Woodridge Veterans Day service: 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at Memorial Park, Janes Avenue and Center Drive in Woodridge. If the weather is inclement, the service will move indoors to the Woodridge Public Library, 3 Plaza Drive. Hosted by Woodridge VFW Post 1578. www.woodridgelibrary.org.

Veterans Day Observance: 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at Prairie Lakes Auditorium, 515 E. Dempster-Thacker St., Des Plaines. Hosted by Des Plaines American Legion Post 36 and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 311. Featured speaker is Maj. General James R. Mukoyama, U.S. Army, Retired. (847) 824-3236 or americanlegion36.org.

Buffalo Grove Veterans Day Celebration: Noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at the Community Arts Center, 225 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Honoring all veterans, their families and friends. VFW Post 981 will present and remove the colors, and pay tribute by presenting the flag for each branch of service. Lunch will be served before the program. Free. bgparks.org.

The Defense of Bastogne, A Veterans Day Program: 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. The lesser recognized heroic efforts and willingness to sacrifice all in order to defend Bastogne during World War II will be examined by military historian Robert Mueller. Free. www.eapl.org.

Coffee Talk: 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. The program, "Medal of Honor Stories," will feature U.S. Navy veteran and historian Hal Burke discussing the legacies of three Medal of Honor recipients: U.S. Navy World War II Sailor Fred Lester; U.S. Army Vietnam War Soldier James Robinson; and Marine Lester Weber, all from DuPage County. Burke's presentation will include historical facts about the Medal of Honor, World War II veterans who served in the Armed Forces, as well as details about the three Medal of Honor recipients. Free; donations accepted. (847) 391-5399 or www.desplaineshistory.org.

Cantigny Veterans Day Tribute: 4:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park, 1s151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. The First Division Museum will offer extended hours. From 4:30 until the 8 p.m., the "First In War" gallery's usual sounds and films will be silenced for a visual display of flickering candles throughout the exhibit. Free admission and parking all day. cantigny.org.

Veterans Day Concert & Tribute Mass: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. Featuring members from all of the St. Thomas the Apostle choirs, including the Traditional Choir, Contemporary Choir, and Children's Choir, as well as the Handbell Ringers, and brass quintet and timpani. A reception will follow in the Community Center. Freewill donation requested; half of the proceeds will benefit Veterans Path to Hope. www.facebook.com/SaintThomasCL/.

Hanover Park Veterans Day Ceremony: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at Public Works Building, 2041 W. Lake St., Hanover Park. Join the Village of Hanover Park as it salutes, honors and thanks those who have served our country. Keynote speaker is Cmdr. Steven J. Green, U.S. Navy, award recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal with one Gold Star, the Navy- Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one Silver Star, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three Gold Stars. www.hpil.org

War Letters: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, with Naper Settlement's Century Memorial Chapel, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Read by members of the 10th Mountain Division World War II re-enacting group, this program brings to life vivid eyewitness accounts from the Revolutionary War to the Gulf War of famous battles, intimate declarations of love and longing, poignant letters penned just before the writer was killed, and heartbreaking letters from home. Read by a live cast, the letters are illustrated with a blend of dramatic archival footage and photos, recreations, and images of those who wrote, and those who read, letters from American battlefronts. $10; free for veterans. Register at napersettlement.org.

"Memories of Wartime in Hampshire - 1944-45": 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at the McHenry County Historical Society Museum, 6422 Main St. in Union. Sleepy Hollow resident John Fenzel will talk about his childhood job delivering local newspapers to the German POW camp in Hampshire. Located on the eastern end of Keyes Avenue, Camp Hampshire housed 260 German prisoners, with 50 enlisted men and officers as guards. Admission to this hybrid program is $5, payable at the door. To watch online, sign up at mchenry-county-historical-society-and-museum.ticketleap.com/fenzel/.

Winnetka Veterans Day Observance: Thursday, Nov. 11, in Winnetka. The community is invited to join the New Trier VFW Post 4831 to honor United States war veterans. Event details are still being finalized. www.winpark.org.

Veterans Day Tribute: In lieu of its annual Veterans Day ceremony, DuPage County hosts an interactive Veterans Day portal at www.dupageco.org/veteran. Create your own "Thank You" post highlighting a loved one or friend, along with a photo and written tribute. The website also features quotes, poems, and videos for tribute, educational, and historical information surrounding the holiday.

Nov. 12

CLC Veterans Recognition Breakfast: 9-10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 12, Cafe Willow Dining Area at the College of Lake County Grayslake Campus, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. A social gathering for veterans from CLC and the community and CLC students. Speakers will include Rep. Brad Schneider, a member of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, a member from the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County and a representative of the College of Lake County. www.clcillinois.edu/news-and-events.

Marmion Academy Veterans Day observance: 3:45 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, in the Alumni Hall gym, 1000 Butterfield Road. www.marmion.org.

Nov. 15

"Listening To Their Stories": 10-11:30 a.m. Monday, Nov 15, Metropolis Ballroom, 6 S. Vail St., Arlington Heights. The Wheeling Township Senior Advisory Board invites you to attend "Listening To Their Stories." Join students from Saint Viator High School as they take you on a journey into the minds, lives and experiences of some of our country's newest veterans - those who served in the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan. The students share what they learned by engaging with these veterans - and the veterans will be in attendance to offer more insight. You are asked to bring packages of Ramen noodles, cans of fruit, soup or chili, Pop Tarts or individual servings of nuts, fruit, trail mix, cold drink mixes for donation to Operation Support Our Troops for distribution in Comfort Care Packages for active military personnel stationed around the globe. The program is free and open to all, but registration is required. To register, call Wheeling Township at (847) 259-7730, ext. 21, or email LLahey@WheelingTownship.com.