Prairie State Wire

Ted Dabrowski, an Illinois gubernatorial candidate, expressed his honor at joining residents to pay tribute to veterans and recognize their service during the Naperville Veterans Day Memorial Event.

"I was honored to attend Naperville's Veterans Day event, where Illinoisans gathered to pay tribute to our courageous veterans," said Dabrowski. "Their sacrifice protects our freedoms and strengthens our nation. It was a privilege to join in this heartfelt commemoration of their service."

Naperville has a longstanding tradition of honoring service members through community events and memorials. The city’s Veterans Day activities typically include ceremonies at the Riverwalk and the Healing Field of Honor at Rotary Hill. These sites feature hundreds of American flags and a replica Vietnam Wall of Remembrance, paying tribute to those who served. Programs like Naperville Salutes also acknowledge local veterans and active-duty personnel with commemorative street banners, reinforcing the community’s commitment to patriotism and public remembrance.

Illinois is home to a significant veteran population, representing service across multiple generations and conflicts. Recent data indicate there are approximately 490,000–550,000 veterans in the state, accounting for about 5% of Illinois’ adult population. Many reside in the Chicago metro area and surrounding counties, including DuPage near Naperville. These figures highlight both the scale of service in Illinois and the importance of access to benefits, healthcare, and community recognition for those who served.

Federal and state data show that Illinois veterans are diverse in age, era of service, and needs. More than 46% are aged 65 or older, reflecting large numbers from the Vietnam era. Newer cohorts from Iraq and Afghanistan constitute over 20% of the state’s veteran community. Many Illinois veterans are enrolled in Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare; over 160,000 unique patients were treated recently, driving demand for medical, mental health, and support services. These demographics underscore why local ceremonies, memorials, and policy discussions about veteran care remain central in communities like Naperville.

Dabrowski is an Illinois Republican and conservative reform advocate serving as president of Wirepoints, a research group focused on state and local policy. He has been a longtime analyst of Illinois’ finances, pensions, and tax structure. Previously he worked as vice president of policy for the Illinois Policy Institute before spending more than a decade with Citibank in international leadership roles. In 2025 he launched his campaign for governor as a data-driven leader committed to fiscal responsibility, economic growth, law enforcement support, and veteran advocacy across the state.