Naperville names downtown street for 100-year-old WWII vet

A stretch of Douglas Avenue in the heart of downtown Naperville now carries the name of a man who earned five military medals before his 20th birthday, then spent 36 years teaching science to the city's kids.

The Sgt. Robert L. Miller Commemorative Parkway runs between Webster and Washington streets. Mayor Scott Wehrli presided over the dedication ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 13, where a city worker hung the new street sign as family and friends gathered on the sidewalk.

Miller, now 100 years old, served in the Pacific Theater during World War II with the 25th U.S. Army Infantry Division, known as "Tropic Lightning." His unit fought in the Battle of Luzon in the Philippines beginning in January 1945. Miller earned five medals for honor, bravery and service, was promoted to sergeant before turning 20 and ended his military service during the occupation of Japan.

After the war and college, Miller settled in Naperville, where he has lived for nearly 70 years. He taught science at Washington Junior High School and finished his 36-year career at Madison Junior High School, serving as head of the science department at both, according to Positively Naperville.

His son John D. Miller read aloud the letter he had submitted to Mayor Wehrli, the Naperville City Council and the Naperville Department of Transportation requesting the honor. He described his father's post-retirement years spent transplanting hybrid lilies he had cultivated from his science background into the newly built Riverwalk, and serving as its unofficial ambassador.

"We need to honor those who made a difference in the town of Naperville, and country," John Miller said at the ceremony.

Miller's family includes his late wife Sally, sons Paul, Robert and John, six additional children, 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. The Sons of the American Revolution awarded him the Silver Good Citizenship Award for his service to country and community.

Wehrli, who also attended Miller's 100th birthday celebration and delivered a tribute speech on behalf of the city, did not issue a public statement about the dedication.