On Sunday October 27, the Filling Station in Bishop Hill will host a fundraising meal from 4 to 7 p.m.  The purpose of this fundraiser is to support the travel expenses for the Wall.  The meal will consist of 4 or 5 soups and will be by free will donation.  Gold Star Families will be in attendance, and the Traveling Memorial Wall will be on display.  In addition, there will be a silent auction on a few select items.   For more information about the fundraiser, please call 309 927-3355.

The Fallen Heroes Traveling Memorial Wall is a volunteer memorial outreach project initiated and completed by Gold Star Families (families of the fallen) and members of the Illinois Patriot Guard Riders. It is the product of an idea expressed by the father of one of Illinois’ fallen military heroes after visiting a stationary memorial on display at the Illinois Gathering of the Guard in 2010. Simply put, he said “This wall must be seen by as many people as possible”. With that said, the Illinois Patriot Guard Riders began the process of planning and building the Traveling Memorial Wall. Accordingly, it is the result of untold hours of volunteer labor; donated materials; and expenses. On the Traveling Memorial Wall are the names; memorial pictures; Hometowns; and the branch and dates of service of all of Illinois’ military men and women who have died while or as the result of supporting Operation Enduring Freedom; Operation Iraqi Freedom; and Operation New Dawn. Sadly but importantly, it is updated on an ongoing basis as necessary. The Traveling Memorial Wall is in the care of Gold Star Families and, with the financial support of the Illinois Patriot Guard Riders and donations, is maintained and transported throughout the State of Illinois free of charge to organizations and events who request its presence.