Dear Veterans and Community Members,
The DeKalb Veterans Memorial at Elks Lodge #765, established in 2019, continues to serve as a meaningful place to honor those who have served our country. Plans are currently underway to further enhance and expand the memorial.
A proposed addition includes a curved concrete pad behind the Women’s Memorial, similar to the existing pad near the Boy Scouts Firepit. This addition will provide space for additional benches, offering more seating for visitors while also supporting ongoing fundraising efforts. For information regarding bench placements, please contact Jerry Evans at evans429@aol.com.
The Women’s Memorial will also receive minor improvements, including the replacement of the flagpole and the addition of flowers to better highlight the space.
On the west side of the Flags of Honor, enhancements are planned for the World War I Memorial. The goal is to incorporate plantings that reflect the red poppy, a recognized symbol of WWI remembrance. A corresponding enhancement is planned for the east side of the flags, with details to be announced.
As part of America’s upcoming 250th Anniversary, 250 flower bulbs (including tulips and iris) were planted this past fall along the Flags of Honor. In coordination with a local flower club, there is an effort to plant an additional 250 flowers throughout the memorial grounds. The goal is to complete this work prior to the Elks Flag Day Ceremony on June 14, 2026.
The memorial brick program remains ongoing. These engraved bricks serve as lasting tributes to veterans and Elks members. Applications are available at the Elks Lodge during regular business hours:
DeKalb Elks Lodge #765
209 S. Annie Glidden Road
DeKalb, IL 60115
For additional information regarding the memorial improvements, please contact Michael Embrey at M.Embrey@FunMEevents.com.
For donation inquiries, please contact Ed Pevonka at edpevonka@aol.com.
The continued development of the DeKalb Veterans Memorial is made possible through community support and involvement.
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