Village of Oswego to Host Illinois Fallen Wall Honoring Post-9/11Fallen Heroes 

In partnership with Oswego Honors Veterans, the Village of Oswego is honored to host the Illinois Fallen Wall, a powerful tribute honoring the memory of Illinois military service members who were killed in action since September 11, 2001. The wall will be on public display in the Village Hall lobby from May 9 through June 6, 2025.

This moving memorial, presented by the Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation, features the photos of every Illinois service member who gave their life in combat operations after 9/11. It serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by our heroes and their families in the decades following that day.

The wall will be open to the public during Village Hall business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Special Memorial Day weekend hours will also be observed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 24, 25 and 26, during which time the wall will be under volunteer guard.

Ceremonies and Procession
The community is invited to attend the Opening Ceremony on Friday, May 9 at 3 p.m. at Village Hall, following a procession from 1 to 2 p.m. along Orchard Road, traveling south from Galena Road to Mill Road. The Closing Ceremony will take place on Friday, June 6 at 10:30 a.m., also at Village Hall, as the community comes together to reflect and pay final respects to those honored on the wall.

Support the Cause
The Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation was founded to ensure that Chris’s legacy and sacrifice are never forgotten, through support of the performing arts that were such a meaningful part of his life. The Foundation was established after US Army SPC Christopher Patterson was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom on January 6, 2012. Visitors are encouraged to donate in support of the foundation’s ongoing mission. Donation information will be available onsite throughout the exhibit's duration.

“Having lost our son in Afghanistan, we realized how easy it was for people to forget the sacrifice our men and women make for our freedom. We gathered all the names of those who were Killed In Action from Illinois since 2001,” stated Bob and Mary Patterson. We kept the wall simple in design because it is about our fallen. Look at the faces, say their name and remember that freedom isn’t free. This is what Memorial Day is about. For Gold Star Family Members, every day is Memorial Day.” 

The Oswego Honors Veterans group is comprised of representatives from the Village of Oswego, Oswego Fire Protection District, Fox Valley Veterans Breakfast Club, American Legion Post 675 and Fox Valley Marines Detachment 1233. The group previously helped organize the events that brought the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall and the Middle East Conflicts Wall of Honor to Oswego in 2017 and 2021, respectively.

“We are proud to provide a space where our community can honor and remember the brave individuals who gave everything for our country,” said Village President Ryan Kauffman. “Hosting the Illinois Fallen Wall is a deeply humbling experience for our village, and we invite everyone to come, reflect and show their support.”

For more information, please visit: bit.ly/ILFallenWall
Village Hall is located at 100 Parkers Mill in Oswego.

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Among the fastest-growing communities in Illinois, Oswego boasts a vision of smart growth and
a dedication to maintaining a small-town feel, all nestled in the verdant Fox River Valley 40
miles southwest of Chicago. Oswego offers schools ranked among the top 10% in Illinois, a low
crime rate, expansive parks and trails along a recreational river, unique shopping in its
downtown, and dozens of events throughout the year for neighbors to gather and grow
community. For more information, visit www.oswegoil.org.