Bourbonnais in Kankakee County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Wayne Michael Hayes Freedom Garden
April 29, 2017
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 30, 2026
1. Wayne Michael Hayes Freedom Garden Marker
Wayne was the first Olivet alumnus to die in that conflict. The Freedom Garden honors him and the other veterans of our area who have served our country in military service.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Horticulture & Forestry • War, Vietnam. A significant historical date for this entry is July 6, 1967.
Location. 41° 8.96′ N, 87° 52.544′ W. Marker is in Bourbonnais, Illinois, in Kankakee County. It is on Main Street (U.S. 45/52) west of Munroe Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker is affixed to the Freedom Sign, located in front of the Bell West Campus of Olivet Nazarene University. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bourbonnais IL 60914, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Freedom Sign (here, next to this marker); Donald H. and Faith N. Bell West Campus (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Durham-Perry Farmstead Home
this page online
Regarding Wayne Michael Hayes Freedom Garden. Wayne Michael Hayes was 23 years old when he died in Vietnam. He is buried in his hometown of Menomonie, Wisconsin.
Also see . . .
1. Associated Press: Vietnam War casualty honored with park in Bourbonnais.
Excerpt: "Hayes was killed July 6, 1967 in a battle defending a South Vietnamese village. The lieutenant had just been put in charge of the five-tank company. Hayes led a three-tank formation into a firefight with the North Vietnamese. He took the top-of-the-tank mounted gun and was hit by what was a rocket-propelled grenade or anti-tank shell."(Submitted on June 4, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Wall of Faces: Wayne Michael Hayes. (Submitted on June 4, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 30, 2026
2. Freedom Sign
Markers for the Wayne Michaels Hayes Freedom Garden and for the Freedom Sign itself are affixed to the sign's brick post.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 30, 2026
3. The Freedom Sign in front of Olivet Nazarene's West Campus
Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 4, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
