Field of Honor returns to Algonquin Commons
The Field of Honor, which recognizes Illinois residents who have served in the Armed Forces, is returning to the Randall Road corridor this spring.
The Algonquin Commons mall, at 1900 S. Randall Road, will be host to the Field of Honor from May 19 to May 21.
The Veterans Network Committee is bringing to the mall the Field of Honor, which will allow locals to honor Illinois residents who served in the Persian Gulf and lost their lives serving their country.
The committee takes the Field of Honor throughout the state to pay tribute to those who lost their lives while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The field itself is a dramatic sea of American flags, representing the men and women who served. There are more than 300 flags, which will be spread throughout the mall. Each flag will have multiple names, ages and hometowns of the fallen from Illinois. The flags fill the grassy and parkway areas at the mall, giving an overwhelming picture of just how many people gave their lives for their country from Illinois in the Persian Gulf.
The Field of Honor will be open 24 hours a day, allowing residents to come honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice at any time. The flags are lighted in the evening, allowing visitors to still view the names of those who sacrificed their lives.
There will be volunteers on hand to protect the Field of Honor and answer any questions visitors may have.
Last year, the volunteers also helped lead people to the flags of specific soldiers.
Even if you do not know anyone specifically, you still can come honor those who served and lost their lives.
The event is held near Armed Forces Day to celebrate those who have served. This year Armed Forces Day is on May 20.
Calling Laurie Berkner fans:
The Barnes and Noble book store along the Randall Road corridor in Geneva is hosting an event featuring Berkner's new book.
A favorite singer among children, Berkner's beloved hit song "We Are the Dinosaurs" now is a picture book.
On Saturday, April 22, the store is hosting a story time featuring the new book, also called "We Are the Dinosaurs."
The event begins at 11 a.m. It is free and open to the public.
The store is at 102 Commons Drive.
For information call (630) 262-8568.
Giving back:
You have a chance to give to others at no cost to you this month along the Randall Road corridor.
The Algonquin Commons mall is hosting a blood drive on April 29.
The blood drive will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You can walk up to give at the mall on that day. Just look for the Life Source donor coach at the mall, 1900 S. Randall Road.
However, appointments are recommended.
You can set your own appointment by visiting lifesource.org/donate-blood/ and search for the event at Algonquin Commons.
• Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from Batavia to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or (847) 894-5036.