The City of Joliet invites the community to join in honoring our nation’s heroes at the annual Memorial Day Commemoration, a solemn ceremony dedicated to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Representatives from all branches of the United States Armed Forces will be present to pay tribute, and a ceremonial wreath will be laid in their memory. The event will also feature a performance by the renowned American Legion Band beginning at 11:30am, providing a moving musical backdrop to this important day of remembrance.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Benjamin M. (Benny) White is a retired Lieutenant Colonel who served 22 years in the Army as a Field Artillery Officer, leading and mentoring soldiers throughout his military career before retiring from active duty in 2008. Over the years, Dr. White's leadership skills and strong commitment to teaching and learning helped to develop future leaders. He taught at the United States Military Academy at West Point (the premier leadership institution in the world) and served as Professor of Military Science/Battalion Commander of the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Wheaton College. He continues to inspire and motivate students by working with the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Joliet West High School. Closer to home, Dr. White has volunteered his time and talent as a mentor, parent volunteer, and guest speaker at several Naperville area schools.
In 2012, Dr. White was appointed to the Indian Prairie School District 204 Board of Education and later was elected to the board in 2013, where he served as Board Secretary. In 2015, then-Mayor Steve Chirico appointed Dr. White to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, where he proudly served for two years. In 2017, Dr. White became the first person of color to be elected to the Naperville City Council and was subsequently reelected in 2021 and 2025.
Dr. White has a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies from West Point. He also earned a Master of Science in Kinesiology from Indiana University and an MBA from Webster University. He received his doctorate in Values Driven Leadership from Benedictine University.
A Kansas City native, Benny, and his high school sweetheart, Kim, made Naperville their home in 2005 with their two children. Dr. White enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, barbecuing, and passionately cheering on his favorite sports teams: the KC Chiefs, Royals, and all things Army.
