Freedom’s Sacrifice Memorial

Freedom’s Sacrifice Memorial

This Veterans Memorial is dedicated to the soldiers from Highland Park, Illinois, who served and perished in the wars throughout American history. Commissioned by the American Legion, it is a place to contemplate and remember those who sacrificed their lives for a greater cause. The monument depicts the dichotomy between war and peace and the ultimate sacrifice required for freedom.

The abstract granite wing and swirling lines of the nebula symbolize the strength of our nation and are meant to embrace and comfort. They reflect the beginning of the universe and also display the infinite nature of our souls. At the center of the plaza is a poem describing the meaning of “Freedom’s Sacrifice”. Emanating outward are six bronze medallions representing branches of the armed forces.

On the interior of the wing is a large laser-etched image of a mother reaching for her son (a soldier) who departs for war…never to return. Eighty-five names of those who perished will also be inscribed into the highly polished black granite. On the exterior are 10’ wide bronze hands offering the olive branch in peace…always hoping for a better future.

This is to honor all of the veterans from the city of Highland Park, IL. A four-foot by twelve-foot high granite curved wall, incorporating images from WWII is etched into the granite. On one side, a woman reaches out toward the inevitable death of a close family member. On the other side of the monument are larger than life-size hands holding the olive branch offering a peace gesture. Also incorporated into the monument is an eternal flame, continually lit for those soldiers who are no longer with us.


Freedom’s Sacrifice has recently been the location for a memorial that none of us in the community could have imagined. On July 4, 2022 during the Independence Day Parade, seven people were killed and many wounded by gunfire. The Veterans Memorial in downtown Highland Park has served as a location for those mourning to gather and remember their neighbors, friends, and families. The concept for use of the site is the same: a space designated to gather and remember, find solace, and be at peace. This new context of memorial use is devastating and so unfortunate, and gives a different outlook on sacrifice and freedom. Are we free and at peace if we cannot be safe from harm in our community? Will the future be better? We hope, at least, that the memorial can provide a respite from the chaos, and a location to gather with all that are suffering from this event.

Freedom's Sacrifice Highland Park Memorial

Highland Park Community Fund
To help those directly impacted by the mass shooting in Highland Park, the Highland Park Community Foundation has established a July 4th Highland Park Shooting Response Fund. According to the city, “All contributions to the Response Fund will go directly to victims and survivors or the organizations that support them.”

Artist

Julie Rotblatt Amrany and Omri Amrany

Client

American Legion and City of Highland Park

Location

Highland Park, IL

Material

Photoetched black polished Granite and Bronze

Date

2006