Streamwood welcomes Gold Star 500 at Veterans Memorial

The village of Streamwood welcomed more than 60 participants in the 10th Annual Gold Star 500 as the five-day, 510-mile endurance bicycle ride concluded at the Streamwood Veterans Memorial on Saturday, Sept. 26.

The ride traveled across Illinois from Sept. 22-26, honoring Illinois service members who made the ultimate sacrifice and recognizing the enduring strength of their Gold Star Families. This year’s riders included members of the Polish National Guard, whose participation reflected the longstanding partnership and close relationship between the Polish and Illinois National Guards.

Riders began in Chester and traveled along Route 66 through southern and central Illinois before making their way to Springfield, Joliet, Aurora, St. Charles, Sycamore, Hampshire, Huntley and Algonquin before arriving in Streamwood.

During the closing ceremony, the village presented a donation to Gold Star Mission in support of its ongoing work to honor Illinois’ fallen service members, preserve their stories, and assist Gold Star Families through scholarships and remembrance programs.

The Gold Star Mission’s message, “Always Remember, Never Forget,” closely reflects the purpose of Streamwood’s Veterans Memorial, a community space dedicated to honoring those who served and sacrificed for the nation. The memorial includes a monument specifically dedicated to Gold Star Families.

“Streamwood was deeply honored to welcome the Gold Star 500 to our community and host its final stop at the Veterans Memorial,” Mayor Billie Roth said. “The ride’s mission of preserving the memory of fallen service members is especially meaningful here, where our Veterans Memorial includes a monument dedicated to Gold Star Families. We were proud to present a donation supporting Gold Star Mission’s important work and grateful for the opportunity to recognize the sacrifice of these heroes and their families.”

Founded in 2017 by Illinois National Guard members, Gold Star Mission honors nearly 400 Illinois service members killed since Sept. 11, 2001. Through bicycle rides, scholarships, remembrance projects and community events, the organization supports Gold Star Families and preserves the stories of Illinois’ fallen heroes.