Cost of Freedom Tribute coming to Schaumburg
Frank Donahue is a man who thrives on acting as "a servant of the people" and a person who strives to do better than the last time.
An admitted administrator and organizer, it was Donahue's dream for five years to host the Vietnam Traveling Wall, an inspiration that comes to fruition from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. today through Monday at Alexian Field, the home of the Schaumburg Flyers in Schaumburg at 1999 S. Springinsguth Road.
Now called the Cost of Freedom Tribute, it includes the wall, displays and art to honor, respect and remember the brave military personnel who fought in Vietnam, World War II, Korea, Afghanistan and Iraq and those who lost their lives as public safety officers and in the Sept. 11 disaster. Promoters expect more than 20,000 people to pay tribute to those people at the 8 feet high and 370 feet long wall. Gold dog tags under glass to honor Vietnam vets and Sept. 11 make up a major display.
Himself a veteran of Vietnam who served as an Air Force security specialist and the son of a World War II veteran, Donahue's vocation is public safety, according to the man who is a special investigator for the country's Department of State. He refers to himself as a "servant of the people."
"It's instilled in me. The generation in which I was raised had a desire to serve and I always had a passion to work for Uncle Sam," said Donahue who lives in Schaumburg. "It's something that is engrained. After my wife and children my job is first."
Donahue said a public servant incorporates loyalty to his country, dedication, willingness and longing to do the job.
It was the crowd at last year's townshipwide Memorial Day celebration that was the first to hear about the traveling wall's visit, one sponsored by Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, St. Peter Lutheran Church and the Schaumburg Flyers. The Daily Herald also partnered to support the patriotic efforts of the Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates Illinois Traveling Wall Committee.
Donahue arranged for the availability of a chaplain each day for private consultations because he expects the event would surface numerous emotions. Volunteers will locate the name of a loved one and escort visitors to the proper panel.
All students, whether from parochial, elementary junior or senior high schools may visit beginning at 10 a.m. today, Education Day. Wayne Messmer will sing the national anthem.
A candle-lighted walk-by takes place at 8:15 p.m. Saturday following an address by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth.
Vietnam Special Forces chaplain the Rev. James Behnke will speak at 3 p.m. Sunday and a patriotic tribute begins at 11 a.m. on Memorial Day.
A further dream of Donahue is the desire that all residents act as hosts and take ownership by having pride in the event.
"It's a reflection on the pride and patriotism of the community," Donahue said.
If you go
What: Cost of Freedom Tribute, a display of the Vietnam Memorial Wall and other tributes honoring veterans and public safety personnel
When: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. today through Monday
Where: Alexian Field, 1999 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg.