Honoring Veterans at Aurora’s Annual Parade

Gil Rios, a resident of Aurora and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, gathered under the American flag outside the Grand Army of the Republic Military Museum in downtown Aurora. He had participated in the city’s Veterans Day Parade, an event that honors the service and sacrifice of veterans. The parade marked the 88th anniversary of Veterans Day. Reflecting on his friends who fought in Vietnam, Rios expressed how many never returned or came back changed. ‘People don’t understand that we’re living in a free country because of what they did for us,’ he said.

The parade, a testament to veteran contributions, featured local veteran groups and other organizations such as Roosevelt Aurora American Legion Post 84, Fox Valley Marines Detachment 1233, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Aurora Police Department’s Honor Guard. Over 400 students from East Aurora High School’s Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, known as the Tomcat Regiment, marched in the parade.

After the parade, a ceremony took place outside the Grand Army of the Republic Military Museum. John Dunn, an Iraq War veteran and brigadier general of the 85th U.S. Army Reserve Support Command, spoke. This Veterans Day felt ‘special’ to him as it coincided with the country’s 250th anniversary. He recalled how the September 11, 2001 attacks inspired many new enlistments, creating a new generation of veterans.

Another speaker, Mike Eckburg, post commander for Roosevelt Aurora American Legion Post 84, noted the recent loss of many local veterans. During the ceremony, he read the names of veterans who had passed in the last two years, emphasizing, ‘Freedom is not free, it’s really costly.’

Both Eckburg and Rios expressed concern over dwindling participation in Veterans Day events. Schools in the state have stopped giving students the day off for Veterans Day following a 2009 state public act. Rios criticized this, suggesting schools miss the point if students cannot experience the full memorial events.

Aurora officials, including Mayor John Laesch and state Representative Stephanie Kifowit, addressed the crowd. Laesch served in the U.S. Navy, and Kifowit in the Marine Corps. Kifowit, who chose not to seek reelection in Illinois House District 84, said it has been an honor to represent female veterans. ‘I proudly represent female veterans who sometimes don’t get the recognition they deserve,’ she said.

Laesch encouraged Aurora residents to visit a new display at the museum and other veteran memorials. He highlighted the importance of acknowledging those who served and their families.

Deja Thomas, serving in the Air Force Reserve, attended the event with family, noting the impact military service made in her life, including education and buying a home. She serves on the Aurora Veterans Advisory Council, advocating recognition for veterans’ contributions.