Scout leads efforts to enhance Lombard Veteran's Memorial
Much more elaborate scenery will greet veterans in May when Lombard salutes its fallen heroes.
Efforts to significantly enhance the Veteran's Memorial continue this winter at Lombard Common park with the goal of completion by Memorial Day.
"It looks really great," said Lombard teen Ben Pelz, who is championing the effort as his Eagle Scout project. "I expect it to look fantastic when it's done."
The enhanced memorial is the culmination of a three-year effort.
Pelz, a senior at Glenbard East High School, approached village and Lombard Park District officials a few years ago after attending a ceremony at the existing memorial. Called "The Rock," the memorial is a large boulder with plaques that is part of the Sunken Garden at the park.
"I felt the memorial could better reflect the respect I and this community has for veterans," said Pelz, 17.
His vision has evolved into a memorial that will feature a paved walkway to The Rock that will now be encircled by a decorative paved area. The pavement will feature a star with each point representing a branch of the U.S. military. The area also will feature benches, a flower garden, trees, lights and 11 new flag poles, one for each military branch, as well as poles for the POW/MIA, village, state, park district and American flags.
"It's important that we all recognize and understand why we have the freedoms we do, and we should all honor those who fought for those freedoms," Pelz says.
Pelz has not only been the visionary of the project, he's also been a chief fundraiser. His efforts, including selling American flags, have generated an estimated $9,000 for the project.
State Rep. Bob Biggins, an Elmhurst Republican, helped secure a $30,000 grant for the project, and $30,000 from the Jane Henderson Charitable Trust bequeathed to the village will go toward the memorial.
The Lombard police and fire unions, Lombard's Veterans of Foreign Wars post and auxiliary, Lombard Rotary, Lions and Junior Woman's clubs are among several organizations also supporting the project.
Area veterans are thrilled by the effort.
"It's great that we will commemorate our veterans in this way," said Tom Zilla, a Vietman veteran and commander of VFW Post 5815 in Lombard. "It will be a great focal point for observation.
"I don't think Ben realizes what he has achieved," he added. "It's a great pat on the back to him from all the veterans."
To donate to the project or learn how you can help, contact Ben Pelz at Benjammin04@comcast.net or at (630) 620-7404.
Questions also can be directed to Village President William Mueller at (630) 620-5700.
Donations may be sent directly to the Village of Lombard, c/o The Veteran's Memorial, 255 E. Wilson Ave., Lombard, IL 60148.
All major donors will be recognized on a seat wall that has been incorporated into the memorial plans.