Events

Parades

All community supporters and friends & family of Naperville Responds are invited to march! Parade details are generally announced one week prior to each respective Parade.

2026 West Suburban Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade / Start Point: Naperville North High School. Thanks to all marchers for participating in the 2026 Parade. 

2026 Naperville Memorial Day Parade / 10:30AM May 25, 2026.  Start Point: Centennial Beach Parking Lot adjacent to the VFW, Naperville, IL 60540. All marchers are requested to be at the staging area by 10AM. Entry No. 19 in the lineup.

Strength and Honor Lunch

Thanks to the Presenting Sponsors
Terry & Susan Hanson Foundation and Mesón Sabika

Thanks to our incredible sponsors, generous patrons, and dedicated supporting cast – the 2026 Strength and Honor Lunch was a record-breaking success with 600 Veterans in attendance and standing room only with a capacity crowd of 800-plus! Your support made this event truly unforgettable—and impactful. We’re grateful to each and every one of you for helping make a difference. And a special thanks to keynote speaker Captain Dan “Trigger” Brown, a Veteran of the US Marine Corps.

If you would like to donate, please click the button below. Thanks again, to everyone who has supported the Luncheon!

Freedom Ruck March

A massive THANK YOU to everyone who came out to the Naperville Responds #America250 Freedom Ruck and Birthday Bash! Because of your incredible energy, footsteps, and generosity, we had an unforgettable celebration while raising vital support for Naperville Responds For Veterans, and celebrating AMERICA.

Photos by Jim Hoch. 

September 11 Remembrance

Naperville Responds, in partnership with the City of Naperville, is proud to support the annual September 11 Remembrance. The remembrance will take place starting at 6PM on Sept. 11, at the Cmdr. Dan Shanower Memorial, located behind the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St., along the Riverwalk. In case of rain, the event will be held in City Council Chambers. The Naperville Municipal Band will begin playing music at 5:45PM.

Oktoberfest at Peanuts

Peanuts Bar & Grill in downtown Naperville annual Oktoberfest will return in early fall. Peanuts is located at 22 W Chicago Ave, Naperville, IL 60540.

Cheers For Veterans Gala and Fundraiser

Join us for the 16th Annual Cheers For Veterans Gala and Fundraiser on Saturday, November 14, 2026. Help us honor and give thanks to our Veterans at this special event.

6-11PM Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Bobak's Signature Events - 6440 Double Eagle Dr, Woodridge, IL 60517

6-7PM Cocktail Hour & Hors d'oeuvres / 7:30PM Dinner is Served

A Gala and Fundraiser to Give Thanks to Veterans with Fine Food, Open Bar, Live Auction & Raise the Paddle