Cary's Field of the Fallen honors soldiers for Memorial Day

Field of the Fallen honors Illinois heroes

A field of more than 350 flags waved in solemn tribute in Cary this Memorial Day weekend, each one representing a service member who gave their life for the country.

CARY, Ill. - This Memorial Day, a field of more than 350 flags waved in solemn tribute — each one honoring a local service member who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

What we know:

The "Field of the Fallen" flag display near Three Oaks Road and Georgetown Drive in Cary is organized each year by the Veterans Network Committee of Northern Illinois. Its purpose is to ensure that no fallen soldier is ever forgotten—that their names continue to be spoken and their stories, shared.

With each passing Memorial Day, the meaningful tradition grows, not only in size, but also in significance.

"Every year, I see some familiar faces and some new ones, and I hear new stories," said Aaron Stain, president, Veterans Network Committee of Northern Illinois.

The "Field of the Fallen" was first created by the organization nearly 15 years ago and remains a powerful symbol of strength, remembrance, and honor for fallen heroes and their families.

"A soldier dies twice, right. Once when they give their life for our country, and the second time is when they’re forgotten," Stain said. "That’s the mission of our organization, is to make sure they’re not forgotten."

Beginning with the Persian Gulf War in 1990, every service member from Illinois who died while serving the United States is represented.

The display is open to the public throughout Memorial Day weekend, and volunteers—including veterans—stand watch 24 hours a day. Between Friday and Sunday, the names of the fallen are read aloud every hour on the hour.

Emily Saczek—whose father, Army Spc. Lukasz Saczek, died in Afghanistan when she was a baby—only discovered the field and her dad's flag two years ago.

"I found the field by my grandparents driving by here," Saczek said. "It personally means a lot to me."

This Memorial Day, 354 soldiers were represented.

The latest name added: Army Staff Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr. of Joliet who was tragically killed during a training mission in Lithuania in March.

"It’s Memorial Day, that’s why we’re here. These guys can’t be forgotten," Stain said. "It’s what created our freedoms today."

Dig deeper:

The Veterans Network Committee of Northern Illinois is also increasing its efforts to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention among veterans.

"I think it brings up conversations that a lot of families aren’t ready to have," said Nicole Dahlmann, whose is raising awareness in memory of her brother. 

With help from the Dahlmann family, whose son and brother, Jason, took his life after returning home, they hope to shine a light on the silent struggles many are facing.

"There’s a lot of pride that comes with having families in the military, there’s a lot of pride that comes with supporting our soldiers," Dahlmann said. "It’s, I think, important to remember when they come stateside, there’s just as much need for that support."

What's next:

A closing ceremony was held on Monday evening to mark the culmination of this year’s display, where community members helped roll and store the flags—until next year.

To learn more about the Veterans Network Committee of Northern Illinois or to donate to its mission, click HERE.