Chicago, Illinois Update

I got a nice letter from the guy who built the Fallen Soldiers Tribute in Chicago. You may recall from the earlier post that it is located directly across the street from the privately owned and built Vietnam Survivors Memorial. He told me that he became involved with the survivors memorial when he noticed that the flags were in need of replacement. He contacted the guy who built it,a former Seal, got to meet him and they cooperated from that point on. His name is Hank and he told me that he is a proud Marine, combat wounded, vet and that he belongs to quite a number of veterans organization. He says that on several occasions people have stopped to talk with him and that he has been able to assist some in finding veteran services. As I wrote earlier, he was not home on the day I stopped by. I regret that as it would be a great honor to meet him!


So, Hank, here is a salute to you, your service and the help and support you give others!

Illinois IX

Directly across the street form the Vietnam Survivors Memorial in Chicago, I found this most unusual and compelling display. It is called Fallen Soldier Salute in contrast to the Survivors Memorial across the street.

It is POW cage filled with a number of artifacts. I spoke briefly with the son of the man who built it and he confirmed that his Dad was a 'Nam vet but could not explain the various items in the cage. He did say that his Dad acts as kind of an unofficial caretaker for the memorial across from his house.

I wonder about the significance of any of the articles. Is there something about the white boot laces? Or, the angel? and, what kind of a rifle is that. We used the older M-14's when I was there, but this looks older than that. Maybe an M-1, M-1903?


I have spent hours trying to track down information on this site and so far, nothing. I was able to find the name of the builder and have sent him a letter asking that he contact me (phone numbers seem unavailable) If he is willing to do that I will post whatever I learn here.