In conjunction with Elmhurst’s 100th Memorial Day Parade, True Patriots Care will stage a patriotic display of more than 1,600 American flags—honoring Vietnam War service members who were prisoners of war (POW) and missing in action (MIA)—throughout Wilder Park from Thursday p.m. through Tuesday a.m., May 24-29.
“Each of the flags will have the name of the soldier and short bio,” said Jerry Christopherson, President of True Patriots Care, U.S. Army veteran and York Community High School’s Administrative Director – Custodial Manager.
True Patriots Care displayed 300 flags on the lawn east of the Wilder Mansion over Memorial Day weekend in 2017 and annually does a Flags of Honor display at the entrance to Elmhurst’s York Community High School for Veterans Day honoring 101 alums killed in action. Each flag had the name and war in which each soldier died in service for our country.
The Wilder Park display will be lit through each of the nights using whisper-quiet portable lighting provided by Elmhurst College.
A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit foundation, True Patriots Care is dedicated to the recognition and support of first responders and armed services members who have served their communities. Visit the organization’s website (truepatriotscare.com) for more information.
Allison Wiggins, Director of Information Technology for the Elmhurst Park District, is among True Patriots Care’s Board members.
True Patriots Care counts the Gary Sinise Foundation (garysinisefoundation.org) and Vets Roll (vetsroll.org) among its national partners.
Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry members Villa Park Office Equipment in Villa Park and Stardust Bowl in Addison are among True Patriots Care’s sponsoring businesses.