Winnebago memorial

Jack McCarthy
The two-story structure at 211 N. Main

The two-story structure at 211 N. Main

Memorial Day weekend is a time to reflect and recall the sacrifices of citizen soldiers, sailors and other military personnel who gave their lives in service to their country.

Throughout the region, state and nation there will be somber remembrances and parades this weekend, including an event in downtown Rockford.

But local residents also have a unique opportunity to mark Memorial Day week with a visit to Veteran’s Memorial Hall.

The two-story structure at 211 N. Main, is believed to be one of the few veterans’ memorials that is not a monument.

Following approval by Winnebago County voters, the Greek revival and classical style building was constructed between 1901-03. It was dedicated on June 3,1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt.

“No more fitting memorial could be erected to the memory of the men who fought, than a hall such as this — a hall beautiful because of the uses to which it is consecrated,” Roosevelt said at the dedication.

The building includes large wall plaques listing names of fallen veterans, and cases in the main lobby, side rooms and the lower level display Armed Services artifacts.

A renovated second floor auditorium is used by cultural groups for shows and presentations and is accessible via the elevator. The basement features offices for veterans’ service agencies.

The hall was threatened with demolition in the 1960s with a proposal to replace it with a parking ramp for a lot next door.

However that plan never was realized and the building was named an Illinois Historic Landmark in 1974 and joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. A four-year, $1.5 million project began in 1988 to restore the building and address deferred maintenance.

The Hall is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and then closed over the weekend and through Monday. Admission is free.

Memorial Day will be observed with a parade beginning at 9 a.m. and proceeds from 7th Street to Park Avenue.

A Memorial Ceremony will take place immediately after the parade at Veterans Memorial Hall.

The Navy Club Sinking of the Ship Ceremony begins at 11 a.m. on the river behind the downtown Rockford Public Library.