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ARMISTICE COMMEMORATION AT CANTIGNY PARK


The First Division Museum will honor all military veterans and the 100th anniversary of World War I with lectures, presentations, social events and a special ceremonial remembrance on Veterans Day; Free parking and admission for all events.

The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park will celebrate Veterans Day with multiple programs commemorating the World War I Centennial and by thanking all those who served our country in uniform during times of war or peace.

An Armistice was declared on November 11, 1918, silencing the warfare that had echoed across Europe for five years. The Great War was finally over. November 11 has been celebrated ever since – first as Armistice Day, and since 1954 as Veterans Day. The day is a tribute to all veterans, living or dead, but especially gives thanks to veterans who are still with us today.

Parking and admission are complimentary for the following events and programs at Cantigny:

Tuesday, November 6 ● 7 pm
Date with History: WWI Armistice Jennifer D. Keene, a military historian specializing in World War I, will discuss the events of 100 years ago, when the Great War officially ended on November 11.

Friday, November 9 ● 7 pm
Doughboys of Cantigny: Oral History Presentation
Remember the WWI “doughboy” soldiers of the U.S. Army’s First Division, including veterans of the Battle of Cantigny, at this evening of oral histories narrated by Bill Brewster, curator for the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park.

Saturday, November 10 ● 1 to 4 pm
2nd Annual Brew It Forward
Thank those who served for America’s freedom by enjoying a craft beer tasting among the tanks to benefit the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton. Guests can donate to MSHV or purchase a brew for a veteran. Veterans receive two complimentary tastings. Three-oz beers are $2; three for $5; or seven for $10. Food available for purchase. Family activities include Cantina Cantigny hot chocolate station, poppy craft, storytime in a WWII-era vehicle, and preparing gift bags for veterans in need. New this year: live music!

Sunday, November 11 ● 10:50 am
Armistice Day: Bells of Peace On the 100th anniversary of the WWI Armistice, Americans across the nation will toll bells in remembrance of those who served and sacrificed in the war that changed the world. Bring a bell or use a WWI Centennial commemoration bell (provided, while supplies last). The brief ceremony will include a bagpipe performance by the Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville. Afterward, enjoy a Victory Tea with warm beverages.

Sunday, November 11 ● 5 to 7 pm
Reflections Framed: A Celebration of Military Service, Past and Present
Now in its fifth year, this community project discovers, recognizes, preserves and celebrates military service stories from the Wheaton community. For details, visit www.helpaveteran.org/reflections or call 630.414.5706.
Parking at Cantigny is free all day on Veterans Day, November 11. For additional program details and museum information, please visit www.fdmuseum.org.

About the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park
The First Division Museum, part of Robert R. McCormick Foundations, promotes public learning about America’s military heritage and affairs through the history of the “Big Red One”—the famed 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. The museum’s main exhibit hall, First in War, transports visitors to the trenches of World War I, the beaches of World War II and the jungles of Vietnam. Outside, tanks are displayed from every era, along with artillery pieces and a personnel carrier. The Robert R. McCormick Research Center, open to the public, houses the museum’s library, archival and photo collections. In 2017, the First Division Museum completed a major renovation inside the building and on the grounds. A new gallery, Duty First, focuses on the modern (post-Vietnam) history and deployment missions of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division. For more information, visit www.fdmuseum.org.

About Cantigny Park
Cantigny Park, part of the Robert R. McCormick Foundations, is the 500-acre Wheaton estate of Col. Robert R. McCormick (1880-1955). It is home to the McCormick House, First Division Museum, formal gardens, picnic grounds, walking trails and a Visitor Center with banquet and dining facilities. More information, including hours, directions, and upcoming events, is posted online at www.cantigny.org. Cantigny Golf, adjacent to the park, features a 27-hole championship golf course, clubhouse with banquet and dining rooms, Cantigny Golf Academy, and the 9-hole Cantigny Youth Links. For more information, please visit www.cantignygolf.com.


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Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce
306 Main St.
West Chicago, IL 60185
Phone: 630-231-3003
Fax: 630-231-3009
Email: team@westerndupagechamber.com

Hours
Monday- Friday: 8:00 AM-Noon 1:00 PM-5:00 PM
Saturday: By Appointment Only
Sunday: Closed