Naperville residents turned out Monday to honor fallen soldiers and celebrate a “return to normal” with the return of the city’s annual Memorial Day parade.
Hundreds of people lined Jackson Avenue for an abbreviated version of the parade, which fell victim to the COVID-19 pandemic last year.
“We’re here to support our veterans and we’re just grateful that we get to do it again,” said Sara Plackett, whose husband serves in the Army. “It’s wonderful to be out here with everyone.”
The parade, sponsored by the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 and American Legion Post 43, featured many local veterans and paid tribute to those who have gone before them.
Parade organizers mapped out a shortened route, starting at VFW Post 3873 and ending at the Webster Street bridge. Wreath laying ceremonies were held at various locations across the city following the parade.
In addition to local veterans, the parade also included local Boy Scouts, who carried banners listing the names of Naperville residents who died in various wars. To aid with social distancing, smaller versions of area high school marching bands and the Naperville Municipal Band lined the parade route, rather than march in the parade, and played patriotic tunes as veterans went by in the procession.
The parade changes and shortened route didn’t dampen the spirit of those who showed up to honor fallen soldiers. Because pandemic restrictions forced the cancellation of almost all parades and festivals in Naperville since March 2020, Monday’s parade was Naperville’s first large public event.
“It’s exciting, we’re glad to be here and we’re glad to be able to support our men and women who fought for our country,” said Kevin Carroll, one of the band directors at Waubonsie Valley High School.
Prohibitions on large gatherings have loosened as more adults get vaccinated and the number of COVID-10 cases declines in Illinois, giving groups such as the VFW and American Legion more confidence in holding their annual events.
“Last year no one was able to do anything,” Naperville resident Gloria Caruso said. “The fact that this is the first thing they are doing is very significant.”
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Caruso and her husband, Joe, participated in the parade to represent Gold Star families who have had loved ones killed in the line of duty. Their son, Marine Sgt. David Caruso, died in 2004 in the Second Battle of Fallujah, Iraq.
“We’re very honored that they’re doing this,” Gloria Caruso said, adding that she and her husband have attended the Memorial Day parade since moving to Naperville 50 years ago. “It means a lot to the families.”
Alicia Fabbre is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
