Aurora’s Veterans Day Parade Honors Sacrifices

Gil Rios, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Aurora resident, stood under the American flag outside the Grand Army of the Republic Military Museum in Aurora. He was moved to tears after participating in the city’s annual Veterans Day Parade. The event marked the 88th anniversary of the parade and served as a reminder of his friends who served in Vietnam, including those who never returned or changed after returning.

Rios expressed his deep emotions, pointing out that many people don’t understand the sacrifices made for the freedom enjoyed in the country. The parade aimed to honor veterans’ sacrifices and remember those who have passed away in recent times.

The parade included local veterans groups and other organizations such as Roosevelt Aurora American Legion Post 84 and the Fox Valley Marines Detachment 1233. The Aurora Police Department’s Honor Guard also participated. Over 400 students from the East Aurora High School Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, known as the Tomcat Regiment, marched with their drums.

After the parade, a ceremony was held outside the museum, featuring remarks from veteran John Dunn. Dunn, an Iraq War veteran and brigadier general, stated that Veterans Day felt special this year as it coincided with the country’s 250th anniversary. He noted that the events of September 11, 2001, prompted many to join the military, creating a new generation of veterans.

“What they have done, dedicating themselves and their families, has created a generation of veterans,” Dunn remarked.

Another speaker, Mike Eckburg of the American Legion Post 84, noted the recent loss of many area veterans. He read the names of veterans who have passed in the past two years, emphasizing the cost of freedom.

“Freedom is not free, it’s costly,” he stated.

Both Eckburg and Rios felt that participation in Veterans Day observances in Illinois has reduced over the years. Rios mentioned that the 2009 state public act stopped requiring schools to give the day off, leading to a decline in observance. He criticized schools for missing the point and stressed the importance of seeing parades and gun salutes in instilling pride in being American.

Aurora officials, including Mayor John Laesch and state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, also spoke at the event. Both are veterans from the 1990s. Laesch served as a U.S. Navy Middle East Intelligence Analyst, and Kifowit served in the Marine Corps. Kifowit highlighted the honor of representing female veterans, often unrecognized, during her political career.

“I proudly represent female veterans who sometimes don’t get the recognition they deserve,” Kifowit said. She thanked veterans she met over the years.

Laesch awarded Kifowit a Mayor’s Award of Excellence and spoke of his brother, a fellow veteran. He encouraged residents to visit new displays at the local museum and reflect on the sacrifices of veterans, including those who returned with lasting impacts from their service.

Deja Thomas, an Air Force Reserve member from Aurora, attended the event with her family. She stated the significance of Veterans Day, reflecting on how military service supported her education and home purchase. Thomas also serves on the Aurora Veterans Advisory Council.

“Just recognizing all that veterans have been through is a huge deal,” Thomas said.