Fallen Heroes Remembered During Plainfield Moose Event

It wasn’t just about classic cars and cool bikes at the ’s this Sunday — although there were plenty of hot wheels on display.

The event also gave guests a chance to view the Fallen Heroes Memorial Wall, a tribute to Illinois servicemen and women killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Funded entirely by donations, the memorial wall features the photos of more than 270 fallen heroes and was initiated by a group of Gold Star parents and grandparents. is the designation given to family members of heroes who have died in combat.

Gold Star dad Don Pannier estimates he’s logged more than 30,000 miles in the last year, using his own vehicle to transport the wall to events throughout the state. The memorial wall is proudly escorted by members of the Illinois Patriot Guard riders.

Pannier’s son, 20-year-old Phillip J. Pannier, died in combat in January 2008.

Two years later, the elder Pannier, who is also a member of the Patriot Guard, said riders got involved in a campaign to make the wall a reality.

“I’ve got a pretty full schedule,” Pannier said. He and fellow Patriot Guard riders will bring the wall pretty much anywhere it’s wanted — without charging a dime.

The next stops on the memorial wall’s 2012 tour include a July 31 visit to the Tinley Park VFW Car Show and an Aug. 1 stop at the McHenry County Fair.

The Fallen Heroes Memorial Wall will return to during the upcoming River Days event on Sunday, Aug. 16.

Those who want to make a donation to support the memorial wall, which continues to expand to include more servicemen and women, can do so at any of its appearances. Donations are also accepted online at www.ilpgmemorialwall.com. 

Memorial book, quilt in the works

Another Patriot Guard rider is planning another way to honor fallen heroes and their families.

The rider, who asked Patch not to publish his name, said he is planning a quilt that will tell the stories of Illinois heroes killed in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

A book called “My Hero” will also contain the stories and photos of servicemen and women featured on the quilt, and will travel with the quilt and the Memorial Wall from city to city.

“So everyone knows their stories and keeps their memories alive,” said the Patriot Guard member.

He explained that he prefers to remain anonymous to keep the focus on the fallen heroes and their families.

“It’s about these kids,” he said. “It’s about these families. It’s not about me.”

The man has put out a call to Gold Star parents from throughout Illinois.

“After spending many hours with the [Illinois] Fallen Heroes wall, the one thing that I have noticed is the stories that go along with each hero,” he wrote. “I found that most people like hearing the story of your son and daughter. We only know some of the stories, but we would like to know them all.”

Gold Star families interested in submitting stories and photos are urged to email mrdragon0629@comcast.net or call 630-886-7530.