Families in Naperville who lost a veteran or first responder to suicide will receive formal recognition from the City Council at its 7 p.m. meeting Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the Naperville Municipal Center.
The recognition, championed by American Legion Post 43 on West Jackson Avenue, designates these families as "White Star Families." The term covers relatives of service members and first responders who died from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or other psychological injuries tied to their service.
The designation is new to Naperville.
Post 43 Commander Nadia Baran said the measure is about making sure grieving families are not forgotten. She said losing a veteran or first responder to suicide does not diminish their service. "Their families bear a unique and profound loss," Baran said in a statement published Monday by Positively Naperville. "Recognizing them as White Star Families ensures they are supported and never left to face that grief alone."
The Chicago Tribune also covered the announcement, describing the action as a proclamation issued on behalf of Post 43.
The measure acknowledges that many veterans and first responders carry emotional and psychological injuries long after their service ends. It calls on the Naperville community to listen with compassion and help connect affected individuals with mental health resources.
Immediate Past Commander Tom Jorstad framed the effort as consistent with Naperville's identity. He said the city "has long been a community that values service," pointing to both military veterans and local first responders.
The resolution is not the first time Post 43 and city leaders have focused on veteran suicide prevention. Mayor Scott Wehrli said on X in March that he participated in the Veteran Suicide Prevention RUCK on March 22, wearing a 60-pound vest alongside members of Post 43 and VFW Post 3873.
Post 43, founded in 1920, is located at 908 W. Jackson Ave. Residents seeking support or more information can visit naperlegion.org.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
