Pillars of Honor - the World War II Memorial Comes to Des Plaines

If you've had the privilege of visiting Washington, D.C. and the surrounding area, you understand the somber grandeur and emotional resonance of the war memorials and Arlington Cemetery. Imagine how much more profound these solemn and beautiful places are to veterans of military service or to the family members of those fallen in war. Then imagine how difficult it might be, due to age, failing health or even economics, for some of those veterans and family members to travel to D.C. and see the memorials in person.

I'm not sure if "The Moving Wall," the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial, was the first replica of a national memorial that toured the country, but it was the first I had seen. In fact, I saw it here in Des Plaines, July 4, 1988, quite a few years before I had the opportunity to travel to D.C. and see the full-size memorial. Did you see the Vietnam memorial when it was here in town?

I'm pleased to tell you that another traveling memorial is making its way to Des Plaines - the original scale model of the National World War II Memorial. You can read all about it on the "Pillars of Honor" Web site. The traveling memorial will arrive at the Des Plaines Public Library on Sunday, August 29, 2010 from 2-4 PM. World War II veterans and their families will be the honored guests but the public is welcome - read/print the event invitation here (pdf). For additional information, you may contact Pillars of Honor, a locally based organization which hopes to bring this memorial to other US locations as well. You can call Pillars of Honor at 847-954-0520 or email Info@pillarsofhonor.org or visit their Web site: www.pillarsofhonor.org

If you cannot make the opening ceremony, the memorial will remain at DPPL (third floor) through Friday, September 3, 2010. Stop in and take a moment to reflect on those who sacrificed their lives in what is called the deadliest conflict in human history, with an estimated 50-70 million fatalities. We are honored that the Des Plaines Public Library was selected to be the first stop for the Pillars of Honor.