Honoring American Heroes: Veterans Day 2016

October 1, 2016

Veterans Day is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served in our country’s Armed Forces.

Veterans Day was originally called “Armistice Day,” and November 11 was chosen because it is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. However, in 1954 the holiday was changed to “Veterans Day” to honor the heroism of those who died in our country’s service in all wars.

Veterans Day is a perfect time to learn more about the wars where our soldiers, sailors and Marines fought to preserve our freedom, to visit war memorials, or to attend recognition ceremonies. You will find many Veterans Day events in the Chicago area.

DuPage County, for example, holds many special events to commemorate this important holiday:

  • Support the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton at the Cantigny 5K Run/Walk on November 5. It’s great race in beautiful surroundings with all the proceeds benefitting this not-for-profit transitional living facility that provides assistance to U.S. Veterans of any era.  For race information and to sign up click here.
  • On November 11 at the Lynfred Winery in Roselle all Veterans and active duty military members can get a glass of wine for only a penny.
  • Also on November 11, more than 2,000 luminary candles will blanket the Cantigny Parade Field in honor of those who served and sacrificed for our country. Visitors may walk through the rows of lights or observe the display from three sides on a designated driving route. Inside the Visitors Center, beginning at 5pm, all are invited to “Reflections Framed,” a celebration benefiting the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton. The First Division Museum will remain open until 9pm – its last day of operation in 2016. Programs and parking on Veterans Day are free.

For more information on these events including specific event times and locations visit this website: http://www.discoverdupage.com/. The DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau says more Veterans Day events will be added in the days leading up to the holiday, so check back at this website for additional ways you can join Nash Disability Law as we salute our nation’s Veterans for their sacrifices.