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.
2025 Holiday Parade of Lights / 7PM November 28, 2025. Downtown Naperville - Staging area at Centennial Beach parking lot
2026 West Suburban Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade / 10AM March 14, 2026. Start Point: Naperville North High School.
2025 Naperville Memorial Day Parade / 10:30AM May 25, 2026. Start Point: Naperville VFW, 908 Jackson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540.
Strength and Honor Lunch
The annual “Strength and Honor” luncheon was held Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at Bobak's to honor and give thanks to Veterans and active military. A sincere thank you to everyone who joined us at the Strength and Honor Luncheon. Your presence radiated warmth and camaraderie, making the event truly special. Together, we created powerful moments that honor the bravery and sacrifices of our Veterans, Military, and their Families. God Bless America.
Freedom Ruck March
5-mile Ruck March and Post-Ruck Backyard BBQ in support of our Veterans on Independence Day. Thanks to all this year's Ruckers and Sponsors.
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 held its annual Oktoberfest on Sunday, September 28. Peanuts is located at 22 W Chicago Ave, Naperville, IL 60540.
Thanks to everyone who came out for brats and brew.
Naperville Healing Field of Honor 2025
Operation Support Our Troops – America, along with the Naperville Park District, Naperville Responds for Veterans, and several community organizations, businesses, and individuals, is excited to present the Naperville Healing Field of Honor from November 7-12, 2025. This event marks the 50th anniversary of welcoming home U.S. troops from South Vietnam. During Veteran’s Day week, Rotary Hill on the Naperville Riverwalk will be transformed into a stunning display of American Flags, honoring all military personnel. Alongside the flags, a replica of the Vietnam Wall of Remembrance will be featured, showcasing the names of over 58,000 service members who lost their lives in Vietnam from 1957 to 1975.
Cheers For Veterans Gala and Fundraiser
Join us for the 15th Annual Cheers For Veterans Gala and Fundraiser on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Bobak's Signature Events, located at 6440 Double Eagle Dr, Woodridge, IL 60517.
The evening begins with a cocktail hour and hors d'oeuvres from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by dinner served at 7:30 PM. Enjoy fine food, an open bar, a live auction, Raise the Paddle, and an inspiring keynote address by Dr. Richard Lee, U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran. Help us honor and give thanks to our Veterans at this special event.
