VietNow National Magazine

Less-Than-Famous War Memorials
Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial
Marseilles, Illinois

Story and photo by Wendy Borowski

I am the proud mother of Army Specialist Brandon J. Rowe, who was killed in action in Iraq on March 31, 2003, during “Operation Iraqi Freedom.”

I am writing this letter to ask for your help in informing others about the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial, located in Marseilles, Illinois. This beautiful and important monument, built entirely by volunteers and the “Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run” organization, many of whom are veterans themselves, is the embodiment of love and honor so deserved by those whose names are etched on its walls.

Beginning with the casualties of “Operation Desert One” in 1980, until the present, names of those service members whose lives have been sacrificed are being added, as the struggle in the war on terror continues.

Sadly, there has been little media attention to make people aware that this treasured monument exists and is there for them. This memorial is a tangible expression of remembrance and tribute. It is a place that people can go to and read the names of our brave fallen warriors, to touch this wall that was built with love, or to reflect. We as family members need this as do others wishing to honor those who have given their lives while serving our country.

It was truly a memorable occasion for me when my husband and I visited the site for the first time in June, 2005. We attended the “Freedom Run” memorial ceremonies and the festivities in the town that followed. (We drove to the event in our car. You don’t have to ride a motorcycle to participate.) All that day I was reminded of something our son Brandon had written in the last precious letter he’d sent to us from Iraq. In it he said “It’s great to have people back home who understand our dedication to the country, people who really care. That shows the true heart of an American.” I felt that those that had toiled to build and maintain this beautiful monument and organize the events had indeed shown “that they really care” and what the “true heart of an American” is. As the mother of one whose name rests on this wall, I will be forever grateful to them for their selfless and diligent efforts to pay tribute to our loved ones.

Meeting the wonderful people involved, and other family members, was a healing experience for me. I believe that those who wish to honor these dear, brave, fallen heroes would benefit from experiencing a visit to the memorial as well, if they only knew about it.

For more information please visit www.ilfreedomrun.org. Reading the history, and viewing the photos of the building of the wall under “Marseilles ‘04,” will help you understand the extraordinary effort that went into the organization
of the “Freedom Run” events and the creation of this monument.

Please feel free to contact the founders of the organization, Tony Cutrano or Jerry Cooch, at the web site mentioned above, or contact me at wendyborowski@hotmail.com.

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