Members of the Blue Star Banner program in Crystal Lake celebrated the grand opening in June of the newly revitalized Depot Park, the beautiful gathering space and self-proclaimed “front yard” of the community located in downtown Crystal Lake right next to the Metra train station.
One of the highlights of the event was the solemn rededication of the Veterans Memorial, now relocated to a more prominent spot within the park. The Blue Star Banner Program designed new plaques to honor the service and sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan of five young Crystal Lake men. We also placed a flag for each of there Heroes around the Memorial on a temporary basis. The families of these five service members were present at the ceremony and are known as Gold Star families, indicating they have lost a loved one in service to our country.
When one of our service members gives his or her life in service to our country, behind that Fallen Hero is a family that has been forever changed. Those family members suffer a loss that words can’t explain, yet they continue their permanently altered lives with profound courage.
To America and the City of Crystal Lake, these Heroes gave their lives so that we could sleep peacefully in the freedom they made possible. The steadfast endurance of the Gold Star Families serves as a testament to the love of country their family members demonstrated in service and sacrifice.
