Joliet hosts traveling National Iraq & Afghanistan Memorial with more than 5,000 photographs

City Square in downtown Joliet hosted the opening ceremony for a traveling photographic National Iraq & Afghanistan Memorial that organizers said displays the faces of more than 5,000 service members who died in the global war on terror or later from related wounds.

Ann Sylvester, the city’s director of cultural affairs and special events, introduced the memorial and asked attendees to stand as a fire department honor guard presented the colors. The program featured multiple musical performances and remarks from local officials.

Dave Lutton, a national representative with Patriotic Productions who identified himself as a U.S. Marine, said the exhibit display contains "5,501 photos" and described the project as honoring those who answered the call of duty and represent "the 1%." He said the trailer exhibit travels across the country to give communities an opportunity to reflect on service and sacrifice.

Mayor Terry Darcy urged attendees to remember that each photograph represents a life and a family, and called the memorial a living exhibit that carries the stories of those who served. He asked visitors to read the names and reflect on the cost of freedom.

As part of a public tribute, the city invited attendees to decorate remembrance rocks to honor someone special and place them at a designated tribute area by the exhibit; organizers noted that placing or taking a rock home is an option. The exhibit will be on display at City Square through Sunday at 6 p.m.

Organizers encouraged attendees to walk through the panels and reflect on the stories represented in the photographs; the program concluded with performances by the Joliet fire and police department pipes and drums.