logo

News

CELEBRATE VETERANS DAY AT CANTIGNY PARK!




The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park will celebrate Veterans Day (Friday, November 11) with activities and programs for all ages. In addition, the museum will offer extended hours, staying open until 8 pm, and Cantigny’s daily parking fee will be waived.

The official end of World War I occurred on November 11, 1918. America has observed November 11 ever since – first as Armistice Day, and since 1954 as Veterans Day. The holiday celebrates all veterans, living or dead, but especially gives thanks to those still with us today. Cantigny embraces this annual tradition.

All are welcome to participate in these free activities and events:

Family Craft ● 10 am to 12 pm
First Division Museum Since World War I, families have hung flags in their windows with stars representing relatives who are serving in the military. Create a “Thank You Flag” in celebration of Veterans Day and to honor all who served. Craft kits while supplies last.
Veterans Day Reflection Trail
First Division Museum Tank Park ● 4:30 to 8 pm
Take a short walk past displays featuring the words of veterans of the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division, from WWI to present. Their memories of service help us understand to the American soldier experience and remind us that freedom isn’t free. After your walk, enjoy a complimentary warm beverage inside the First Division Museum. Refreshments while supplies last. 

Moment of Thanks and Quilts of Valor Ceremony
Cantigny Visitors Center ● 5:30 to 6 pm
Colonel (retired) Nick Johnson from the Illinois Army National Guard will offer some timely remarks about veterans and their service to our country. Johnson served 32 years with the Guard before retiring last June. In addition, the Illinois Chapter of Quilts of Valor will honor five veterans during a special quilt ceremony.

 
Parking at Cantigny is free all day on Veterans Day, November 11. The First Division Museum will open at 10 am and remain open until 8 pm. For information, please visit www.fdmuseum.org.

###

About the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park
The First Division Museum, part of the Chicago-based Robert R. McCormick Foundation and located at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Illinois, 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. A second exhibit hall, Duty First, explores the 1ID’s history in more recent times. The Robert R. McCormick Research Center, open to the public, houses the museum’s library, archival and photo collections. Tanks from every era are outside the museum, along with artillery pieces and a personnel carrier. Memorial markers and commemorative statuary pay further tribute to those who served. For more information, visit FDMuseum.org.



« Back

          Sign up for our email newsletter Sign Up

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