Yesterday, along with many of you, I had the pleasure and privilege of being at Woodstock Harley Davidson for the inaugural mission of the Illinois Patriot Guard Fallen Heroes Traveling Memorial Wall. A small band of Gold Star parents, and some of the hardest working and finest IL PGR members that I have ever had the privilege of meeting and knowing, made this happen.

I watched the many Gold Star parents who came to visit the wall standing before it, tearfully and sometimes joyfully sharing the bond that only they can know. I watched visitors to the dealership standing reverently before it, studying the faces of the fallen and pondering the meaning of their sacrifice. Finally, I watched Il PGR members searching for the faces of those for whom they have stood, always finding them and reflecting on those mission experiences.

Although the lighting inside the dealership was a challenge to my point-and-shoot camera skills that I was unable to overcome, here are a few pictures for those of you were not able to be there. The mission of the IL PGR Fallen Heroes Traveling Memorial Wall moving forward will need the support of many, and I encourage everyone to lend a hand whenever and however you can.

Mark Pleasant

Illinois Dep. Asst. State Captain

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