The Veteran's Memorial

The Veteran's Memorial. . This Veteran's Memorial was constructed originally in 1983 as part of the community's Sesquicentennial celebration. The project was a joint effort of the City of Warrenville and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post 8081. It was dedicated November 10, 1984, which was a windy, cold, and rainy day. Mayor Richard Volkmer initiated the project, coordinating it with V.F.W. Memorial Chairman Vern Soukup and Committee members Ed Jarnell and Bob Richards, who led the V.FW. members to volunteer construction contributions. The Memorial included the wall and three flag poles as they are currently located plus two benches. At that time. Stafford Place did not extend west of Warren Avenue. A mature evergreen spruce tree was moved from the John Martin home to this location and planted behind the wall. The Veteran's Memorial and the first Warrenville flag were both designed by then-Mayor Richard Volkmer. His sister, Mary Ellen (Sister Miriam Angela, CSC), created the flag itself, hand-sewing it in brown and gold silk. , , When the 1987 street and storm drainage system was built, a new curbed traffic circle was built to connect Stafford Place west of Warren Avenue to Rockwell (extending Stafford Place) to service the new Library building that opened that year. The John Martin tree was relocated at that time to its present position to make way for the new street. In 1990, the students at Holmes School participated in a ceremony that also relocated the World War I Memorial Rock from the grounds at Holmes School, which was closing. The students thereafter attended the new Johnson Elementary School, built in Summerlakes west of Route 59. , , In 1996, through the efforts of Mayor Vivian Lund, the Memorial was further improved with new handicapped access, raised flower beds, pathways, a flowing fountain, an "avenue of flags," and a pressed-design flagstone concrete surface. All funds and materials required for the reconstruction were contributed by persons who are now recognized by the plaques mounted on the back of the wall. The VFW, in cooperation with the Ladies Auxiliary, still takes the responsibility for the flag postings and organizes appropriate ceremonies for Memorial Day. Veterans Day, and for other patriotic occasions. The City takes responsibility for maintenance and repair of all aspects of the Memorial. , , Thus we approach twenty years of continuous community effort to honor all Warrenville veterans of all eras. Anyone who would like to arrange for the installation of a plaque to honor a veteran, and thereby help sustain the Warrenville Veteran's Memorial, may make their arrangements for a suitable contribution by contacting the Mayor's office at City Hall. 11-11-02