Wauconda to unveil 9/11 Memorial Squad Car
Wauconda Police Chief Doug Larsson said every American, including those living in Wauconda, became a terrorist victim on Sept. 11, 2001.
To remember the men and women who died because of the attacks on that date, the Wauconda Police Department will unveil the Memorial Squad Car during the village's Memorial Day Parade on Monday.
“We believe it's the duty of every person in this country to remember those who died from terrorism on that day,” Larsson said. “Those people paid a price for our freedom. We were all tangent victims on that day.”
Larsson said Tom Goyette of Wauconda, a graphic artist, designed and created a pictorial
collage of the attack sites that is overlaid with the names of the all citizens, military personnel, and public safety personnel who perished at each of the three sites attacked by terrorists on 9/11.
The regular Wauconda Police markings have been removed from the squad car.
Following the parade, the Memorial Squad will be in service for one year to serve as a reminder that “freedom will always have a price,” Larsson said.
“We feel this is one way to honor those people who lost their lives,” he said. “And, Memorial Day is a good day to roll it out.”
At the end of one year, the standard police markings will be restored on the car, he said, adding the project was funded by private donations.
“The citizens and organizations that made contributions to the squad car have chosen to remain anonymous,” Larsson said.
The Memorial Squad will be driven in a the Memorial Day parade by a military veteran and member of the Wauconda Police Department. The parade leaves Wauconda High School on Main Street at 10 a.m. Monday, and travels to Wauconda Memorial Park on Route 176, where a memorial service will be held.
Larsson said, any person or organization wishing to continue to help fund the Memorial Squad may do so by sending a check or money order to the Wauconda Police Department, in care of the “Wauconda Police Officers Association,” at 311 N. Main St., Wauconda.