McHenry County honors Purple Heart recipients with monument

While about 200 people looked on Thursday, a monument was dedicated on Purple Heart Day to McHenry County residents who have been awarded the medal.

The monument's creation and dedication event at the McHenry County Courthouse was organized by retired Marine Corp. Richard W. Young of Woodstock, and his wife, Monica.

The double-sided stone monument bears a colored replica of the military medal, along with the insignia of all the branches of the military carved below it.

Three flagpoles also accompany the monument.

A T-6 airplane leaving a smoke trail started the ceremony, followed by a hovering Huey helicopter with saluting soldiers standing outside the doors of the chopper.

Medal of Honor recipient Army Sgt. Alan J. Lynch of Gurnee was a guest speaker at the dedication.

Other guests included state Sen. Pamela J. Althoff and state Rep. Jack D. Franks.

Vietnam Army and Desert Storm Navy veteran Michael Wisniewski of McHenry reflected on the ceremony, saying, "I was deeply impressed by his event, and it was such a wonderful thing to see our injured veterans get the recognition they're due ... The monument says it all."