The streets of Downtown Naperville came alive with patriotism and pride as the 95th annual Memorial Day Parade honored the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country on Monday, May 26.
The day’s observances commenced early, with ceremonies at the Dan Shanower/9-11 Memorial at City Hall, the G.A.R. Monument in Naperville Cemetery, Veterans Park, Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery and Burlington Square. These events set the tone for the parade, reminding attendees of the deep-rooted history and sacrifices that Memorial Day commemorates.
“The parade is a way that we can all honor [those who served] and build excitement,” said Metea marching band member junior Ivy Spratt.
At 10:30 a.m., the parade began at the corner of Jackson Avenue and West Street, near Centennial Beach. Marchers proceeded east on Jackson Avenue, north on Washington Street, and concluded at Central Park. The route was lined with spectators, many of whom donned red, white, and blue attire, waved flags, and showed their support for the nation’s heroes.
This year’s parade featured over 50 units, including veterans’ organizations, local scout groups, marching bands, and community organizations. Notably, the Naperville Municipal Band and the Recruit Training Command Band from Naval Station Great Lakes performed during the Memorial Day Observance Ceremony at Central Park, adding a musical tribute to the day’s events.
“We were marching for probably about 20 minutes or so, actually in the parade,” Spratt said.
Although they were only marching for a short time, the experience was still memorable for many of Metea’s performers.
“The experience is really unique because you get to expose the music department to so many people, and it’s fun to see the audience’s excitement,” Spratt said.
Metea played “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Throughout their performance, the band had the crowd cheering them on.
“My favorite part is doing our ‘awesome turns’ and seeing the audience go crazy and be really excited for us,” Spratt said.
Following the parade, a Memorial Day Observance Ceremony was held at Central Park at noon. The ceremony included speeches, wreath-laying, and musical performances, offering a moment of reflection and gratitude for the sacrifices made by service members. One of the highlights was the presentation of an award-winning speech by Chaithika Sirpathi, an American Legion Oratorical Contest participant, who is advancing to the national competition at Hillsdale College in Michigan.
At 3 p.m., residents across Naperville participated in the National Moment of Remembrance by observing one minute of silence to honor the 114 Naperville residents who died while on active duty. This nationwide initiative serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel.
The 2025 Memorial Day Parade was more than just a community event; it was a heartfelt tribute to those who have served and sacrificed. As the parade concluded and families began to disperse, the shared sense of pride and remembrance lingered, reinforcing the values of honor, duty, and community that define Naperville.