The annual Veterans Day ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at American Legion Post 300, located at 123 Main Street. Organized this year by the American Legion, the program will include a welcome with opening and closing prayers and patriotic music performed by the West Chicago Community High School Acapella Choir. Mayor Daniel Bovey will offer brief remarks, and Rolling Thunder Riders will lead a remembrance honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action.
At 11:11 a.m., the ceremony will move outdoors for the traditional 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps.” A light luncheon will be served afterward.
Veterans Day is observed each year on November 11 to honor all who have served in the United States Armed Forces, marking the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918.
West Chicago Veterans Day Display Program
In addition to the community ceremony, the City continues its annual Veterans Day Display Program. Decorative banners honoring local veterans are installed throughout the downtown pedestrian-oriented district from mid-October through November. Each banner includes the veteran’s name, military branch, and years of service. The display spans Main Street from Washington Street to Wilson Avenue, Galena Street from Main Street to High Street, and Turner Court from Washington Street to Main Street.
The program is fully funded by the City of West Chicago. There is no cost to participants or those who nominate a veteran. Review the program details, view the honored veterans, and nominate a veteran to be recognized at westchicago.org/veteransday/.
New banners on display this year are the 2025 Veteran Honorees:
- Allan Gilbert (1980-1998, U.S. Marine Corps)
- Denise Gilbert (1985-1990, U.S. Marine Corps)
- Mike Ferguson (1971-1974, U.S. Navy)
- Neil Madden (1970-1993, U.S. Navy)
The City is grateful to all who have served and to the families who support them. We encourage residents to attend the ceremony and take time to view the Veterans Day banner display while visiting downtown.View official City item ↗