Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run Memorial
Marseilles Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial
“THIS IS HALLOWED GROUND.” -IL Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn
In the Heartland of America, in a phenomenal setting on the banks of the Illinois River, a magnificent granite memorial wall has been dedicated, commemorating the soldiers who have died in Operation Desert One, the Lebanon Barracks Bombing, Operation Desert Shield/Storm, the USS Cole, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The memorial was conceived by the Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run founders and built and paid for by volunteers to honor these valiant warriors. The Freedom Wall was built in 2004, and on August 1, 2007, a tri-color waterfall fountain was dedicated in the center of the Middle East Conflicts Wall. The fountain spays water from the back of the memorial into the Illinois River from pipes located directly behind the curved Freedom Wall. The stream of river water projects about 20 feet into the air, spaying over the wall in an arc, and on back into the channel. Laser lights at the base of the fountain light up the sprays in patriotic red, white and blue colors. The waterfall fountain is appropriately named, “Tears For The Fallen.” See additional photos and articles in the Morris Daily Herald by Jo Ann Hustin.
Click on the links below for additional information about the memorial wall, the index of names of the fallen, including Dustin’s name and those of the Spartan Brigade (Casulaties), photos and a June 21, 2008 video. The GWRRA has graciously offered to make their “Dog Tag” for Dustin, ride with it to the memorial site, take photos of his name on the wall and then make a rubbing of his engraved name. Everything will then be sent to the Donica family in Texas. What a lasting tribute this memorial is to our nation’s heroes who gave their all in these Middle East Conflicts. May each and every one of us never forget those who have served our nation throughout the ages, thank the brave who are in service today and support those who will answer the call to serve our country in the years to come, upholding our precious freedoms.
http://www.ilfreedomrun.org/history/index.html
http://www.ilfreedomrun.org/Casualties/index.html
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!!
