Memorial Day. It’s more than a three-day weekend. It’s a time to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Don’t get me wrong, we totally want you to spend some extra time with your friends and family over the weekend. Grilling, car-shopping, maybe even hitting the Rock River on the boat. It’s also a great time to treat the kids to an adventure! Let them learn what the holiday is truly about while exploring one of the many memorials we have here in the Rockford area. Many are tributes to ALL Veterans but share the stories of those that never came home. Go out and make your weekend the perfect mix of family, fun, and remembrance. Here are a few of our favs…
Veteran’s Memorial Hall & Museum: The building itself, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a tribute to locals who have served in the armed forces. Did you know our local Memorial Hall was the very first war memorial building in the country?! The Dedication Ceremony in 1903 was even attended by then President, Theodore Roosevelt. Yes, they’re hosting a Memorial Day Program this year! Check out the details and see tour info HERE. If you take a tour you’ll get to see several artifacts including uniforms and pictures featuring local Camp Grant.
Victory Monument: Less than a block away from Memorial Hall you’ll find this gem. A collection of service members placed on an inclined base and framed by an abstract “V”. The dedication plaque reads “To all Veterans, to our neighbors and friends, to the men and women who served in every branch of the Armed Forces in time of war or peace, we dedicate this memorial. Remembered here before us are brave Veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf conflicts. United by love of country and service to each other we celebrate our ethnic diversity as we salute each individual’s victory of courage over fear and hardship. We will not forget our comrades who died.”.
Veteran’s Memorial Circle: You’re already on N. Main so you might as well make the trip a few miles North to see this one. Park on the SE corner and take a stroll around the circle. You’ll find a tribute statue and plaques that share the stories of service and sacrifice of local veterans from the Revolutionary War to present.
Field Of Honor: The Anderson Peace Park Memorial was created to honor Veterans serving in the five wars of the 20th century. It features 8 life-size statues of men and women from a variety of military branches plus a column honoring civilian contributions to the US war efforts.
Sharing the same park you’ll find the Korean War Veterans Memorial as well. It was dedicated in 2008 “in memory of the men from Winnebago, Boone, and Ogle County who gave their lives during the Korean War…”
LZ Peace Memorial: This memorial is the showstopper, especially if you have little ones in tow. It’s a bit of hike on the Midway Village Museum grounds but definitely worth the trip. Rising above a granite wall engraved with the 72 names of area residents that died in Vietnam is a Huey helicopter. Yes, a whole helicopter, meant to signify the role helicopters played for soldiers while delivering food, supplies, ammunition, and letters from loved ones. Every Memorial Day there’s a gathering to honor the fallen. You’re welcome to join! Get all the details HERE.
There are so many amazing ways to recognize, honor, and remember those that never took their uniform off. The team at Lou Bachrodt is proud to be part of a community that has done so much to show our gratitude. Thank you will never be enough.
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