Annual Veterans Day Parade

Next date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

The City of Aurora is set to celebrate the 87th anniversary of Veterans Day with the annual Aurora Veterans Day Parade, beginning at the intersection of Downer Place and Water Street on Tuesday, November 11 at 10:15 A.M. 

U.S. Air Force veteran and current Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) instructor at West Aurora High School, Scott Hellinger, will serve as the event’s guest speaker. Hellinger served as a Security Forces Specialist in the Air Force, exceling in both ground-level and managerial roles. His exemplary service earned him multiple military decorations, including the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. Hellinger was also hand-selected to serve as the Chief Enlisted Advisor overseeing the Comprehensive Airman Fitness Master Resilience Training Course, helping to teach and prepare more than 2,500 airmen across the Air Force. Today, Hellinger teaches grades nine through 12 as an aerospace science instructor for West Aurora’s AFJROTC, leading its drill team to back-to-back United States Air Force National Championships in 2022 and 2023. 

The Parade will also feature local veteran groups and military organizations, including the Aurora Veterans Advisory Council, Roosevelt Aurora American Legion Post 84, Fox Valley Marines Detachment #1233, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Commission. Additionally, free coffee and donuts will be provided at the event for those in attendance thanks to a partnership with the Aurora Noon Lion’s Club. 

Following the conclusion of the Parade at Downer Place and Stolp Avenue, a brief ceremony will take place at approximately 10:45 A.M. inside of Aurora City Hall, located at 44 E. Downer Place. The ceremony, which will occur inside of Council Chambers on the second floor, will feature remarks from Hellinger, in addition to a special remembrance for area veterans who have passed away over the last year.

 
Attendees can enjoy the comfort of free parking available throughout downtown Aurora. Visitors are encouraged to arrive before 10:00 A.M. to provide enough time for parking and viewing preparation on the parade route. 

 

When

Location

23 E. Downer Place, Aurora, IL, View Map