Russ and Flowers for Heroes at Illinois Freedom Run

July 2nd, 2009

The Illinois Freedom Run is basically about two things; showing our fellow American’s the sacrifices required for our freedom, while strengthening our bond as patriots of the greatest nation under God. We help by paying tribute to the memory of those fallen from conflicts around the world from 1979, to current conflicts in the Middle East.
We encourage members of all communities near and far to join us for this event. Those who don’t ride a motorcycle can show their support by in other numerous ways. The route is lined with Americans waving American Flags and paying tribute. In the past we have had tens of thousands of participants committed to showing their appreciation for the sacrifices they have made.

The funds raised from donations are used to update and maintain the Memorial Wall while also allowing us to continue honoring our fallen through various community events. In the past we have provided financial assistance for the education of the children of our fallen heroes. Our hopes are that a higher education can lead to a future with more diplomatic solutions and less military involvement.

The Illinois Freedom Run is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. As we have learned through history, the biggest casualty of any war or conflict is forgetting our fallen.

“A nation that forgets its heroes is a nation destined to be forgotten.”

–Calvin Coolidge–

A Granite Memorial Wall was dedicated on June 19, 2004 to commemorate the servicemen and women who have lost their lives in worldwide conflicts since 1979. The project was conceived by Tony Cutrano and Jerry Kuczera. Being the first of its kind, this remembrance piece was only conceivable because of the materials, labor, and generosity provided by our fellow American’s.

It took 20 years for this monument to be able to honor the American soldiers involved in Vietnam, and almost 60 years to honor our WW II veterans.

The wall displays the names of our fallen heroes from conflicts around the world. These are the men and women who perished and as a result of our military involvement in Lebanon, the Balkans, Grenada, Somalia, Haiti, USS Cole, USS Stark, and numerous terrorist attacks in Italy, Greece, Scotland, and the current conflicts in the Middle East.

The first Memorial we erected was in the small town of St Anne Illinois, the hometown of Capt. Ryan A. Beaupre, one of Illinois first casualties in the war against terror. We have donated memorials to all of the veteran homes and hospitals in the state of Illinois in honor of all our veterans, both past and present.
What did you do?

Roughly 30,000 bikers ride motorcycles across Illinois, from Morris to the riverfront in Marseilles where the memorial wall is located. Everyone gathers at the wall following the ride to socialize and reflect on what our ride represents.

How many were there?

28,000 bikers and about 50,000 people showed up in Marseilles for last year’s event. There was live music along with food and drinks. Numerous vendors and other veteran organizations attend to show their support and bring everyone together by providing that feeling of a town fair.

Why did you do it?

This is what Flowers for Heroes is all about. Our mission is to support Gold Star families, promote patriotism and show our soldiers that we firmly stand behind what they do for our country. We salute and support all Gold Star fund raising groups.