War memorial in Dallas will honor suburban fallen

A Texas-based charity group wanting to build a memorial honoring troops killed over Iraq and Afghanistan made a stop Monday night in Schaumburg to honor local war casualties.

Marine Lance Cpl. Jakub Kowalik of Schaumburg was among those recognized. It's been seven years since the 21-year-old died in Iraq after an explosive device he was handling detonated. His mother, Danuta Kowalik, showed her appreciation to the crowd gathered at the ceremony at Schaumburg's Town Square.

"It's a privilege and honor to be here today, and on behalf of myself and all the families who are honored today for our fallen heroes, I just want to thank you and all those people who made it happen for us and made it very special," she said. "For all the beautiful gifts and for honoring all of our kids, thank you so much. God bless all of you. Celebrate our kids' lives by the music."

A swing band played after the ceremony hosted by the United States Fallen Heroes Foundation. The group's goal is to raise $15 million to build a monument by 2013 on a 14-acre plot in the Dallas area. Monday's was the group's first event outside of Texas, the group's director, Larry W. Summers, said. It plans on raising money through private and corporate donations. Other stops planned are in Long Island and California.

Army Sgt. Christopher P. Abeyta of Midlothian, Army Spc. Norman L. Cain III of Oregon, Ill., Marine Cpl. Ryan J. Cummings of Crystal Lake and Army Sgt. Robert M. Weinger of Round Lake Beach were the other fallen military members who were honored. Their families, some of whom were crying, were given a replica plaque that would be part of the memorial when it's completed.

Arthur Levin, founder of Jewels By Park Lane, sponsored the event along with the Schaumburg Township District Library.