A moving exhibit in a suburban community ensures Illinois’ fallen service members won’t be forgotten this holiday weekend.
Taking shape in an empty field at the intersection of Three Oaks and Georgetown Road in Cary, there are now more than 354 flags, each representing an Illinois service member who has died in combat since 1991.
Named “Field of the Dead”, each flag placed in the ground is associated with a story, with the name of the soldier, his age, his rank and the day of his death.
Matt Charlier helped build this facility for over a decade.
“Sons, daughters, fathers, friends, fellow soldiers, they cannot be forgotten,” Charlier said. “Every one of these service members would like you to have a happy Memorial Day – but please take the time to remember what the holiday is really about.”
Barb Bloomfield serves on the Northern Illinois Veterans Network Committee
“Every hour we will read a group of names,” said Barb Bloomfield of the Northern Illinois Veterans Network Committee. This field will be open 24 hours a day until Monday, until every name is read.
The public can walk the Field of the Dead for free starting Friday evening, with a closing ceremony scheduled for Monday at 5 p.m.
NBC Chicago
