Donation adds more beauty to Veterans Memorial Plaza in Carol Stream

A generous donor and veteran who frequents the Veterans Memorial Plaza, 960 N. Gary Ave. in Carol Stream, thought some shade would be nice for visitors, especially during the hot summer months.

The kindhearted veteran donated two Japanese lilac trees, a 6-foot park bench with a back for sitting and a memorial stone in fond remembrance of someone special to the veteran.

Carol Stream Park District parks department staff were excited to complete the installation of the donation just in time for Veterans Day.

Veterans Memorial Plaza, dedicated on Memorial Day in 2019, includes granite monuments with bronze medallions representing the five branches of the military, curved seat wall, precast star design, commemorative bricks, military flags, LED lighting and beautiful landscaping.

The new sitting bench is on the west lawn and is adorned with a plate that quotes an unknown author: "Our flag does not fly because the wind blows it; it flies with the last breath of every soldier who died defending it."

The Japanese lilac trees, on both the east and west lawns, are mid-size trees and have a moderate growth rate. Clusters of white flowers bloom in the early summer. The memorial stone underneath the east tree is dedicated to a loved one and includes in the engraving, "For Her Benevolence and Generosity, To Enable it to Continue."

The Veterans Memorial Plaza is the result of three years of fundraising efforts and countless hours of hard work by volunteers. These charitable additions by the anonymous Veteran donor enhance the beauty of the plaza and give visitors a wonderful place to sit as they reflect upon their loved ones living and lost.

Contribute to the Veterans Memorial Plaza with the purchase of a commemorative brick dedicated to your loved one. Contact Pam Falco at (630) 784-6123 for more information.