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Pillars of Freedom hopes to place statue in East Dundee

Members of the Pillars of Freedom Foundations have their work cut out for them.

Their mission is to raise $300,000 to place an 18-foot bronze statue that depicts and models the famous photograph of New York City firefighters hoisting a tattered American flag in the ashes of the World Trade Center.

The first choice for the statue's location is East Dundee, said Steve Kranz, foundation public relations representative.

"We have already have had tremendous support for the project," Kranz said. "We were at Heritage Fest, and during that weekend, we raised $500."

Because the statue represents the nation healing after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack in New York City, raising the rest of the money through corporate and private donations should not be a problem, he said.

"I would like to see it here by the end of the year. It probably will be in place before the 15th anniversary of the attack, which will be in 2016," he said.

The Pillars of Freedom Foundation is a private organization that supports the U.S. military and the nation's first responding firefighters and police officers. Kranz is a Sleepy Hollow resident and a retired Chicago firefighter.

He owns the Midwestern rights to the statue that will be fashioned after newspaper photographer Thomas E. Franklin's photograph.

"It really will be a beautiful statue," he said.

East Dundee Village President Lael Miller agreed and is willing to work with the foundation.

"I support this as a private East Dundee resident," Miller said. "I'm not working in the capacity as village president."

The foundation will have permission to use the Dundee foundation's not-for-profit status, so donations can be accepted, Miller said. The project will also have a link on the village's "Discover Dundee" website.

"This isn't an official village project, but it's a worthwhile cause," Miller said. "In the coming weeks, the foundation will be setting up a bank account and mailing location to accept donations.

Foundation members must also find a location for the statue. Kranz's first choice was along the banks of the Fox River, but the owner of the property is unwilling to give him the space he wants. The second choice is near the East Dundee fire station, along Route 25.

"That would have nice exposure," he said.

East Dundee fire commissioners have not discussed the project, though, said fire chief Steve Schmitendorf.

For details, visit www.pillarsoffreedomfoundation.com/.

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