Registration Still Open For Haas Tour To Benefit Veterans' Memorial

HOMEWOOD-FLOSSMOOR, IL — Registration is ongoing for a walking tour of Homewood's Richard Haas mural collection, to be held July 31 with proceeds going toward the Flossmoor Veterans’ Wall of Honor project.

The tour, set for 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., will launch from Martin Square at the corner of Martin Avenue and Ridge Road and will conclude at the Homewood Veterans’ Memorial on Harwood Avenue and Olive Road. The effort is organized by 501c3 organization Flossmoor Veterans' Memorial, Inc.

The 2.5-mile tour will be led by FVM member Kristine Condon, whose 2020 publication, Richard Haas Murals in Homewood is an Illinois State Historical Society 2022 Superior Achievement Award recipient. Participants will stop at each of Haas’ 15 murals, designed in the trompe l oeil (fool the eye) style, and focus on the details that make the murals come to life.

They'll also get a quick history lesson on other locations, businesses, and stories along the
route that are parts of Homewood’s storied history. All proceeds will go directly
to the group's efforts to construct a Veterans’ Wall of Honor in Flossmoor.

“Homewood and Flossmoor have been neighbors, friends, and partners for nearly 100 years,” said retired Flossmoor Mayor Paul Braun, who now serves as FVM president. “This event is a great way to raise community awareness of public art, to support our efforts to return a Veterans’ Wall of Honor to Flossmoor, and to get some steps in on a beautiful Sunday morning.”

In September 2021, FVM launched its $100,000 fundraising campaign to build and maintain a memorial to Flossmoor veterans. In partnership with the Village of Flossmoor, FVM proposes to construct the Veterans’ Wall of Honor on a 9,500-square foot parcel north of Flossmoor Road and east of the Metra/CN tracks.

The formal memorial will be a more permanent tribute than the one Braun recalls, that dated back to shortly after World War II. Residents at the time constructed a temporary memorial—a wooden case, with the names of the veterans who had served in macaroni letters. That memorial "disintegrated," Braun said, and it was never properly replaced. Braun began that undertaking during his time as mayor, and has continued on to bring it to fruition.
"Our mission is to recognize the veterans in Flossmoor that have served the community so well over the decades," Braun told Patch.

Designed by Flossmoor architect Michael Matthys, the Wall of Honor will provide a tribute to all current and former Flossmoor residents who are serving or have served our nation’s Armed Forces.

Tour pricing is $25 for adults ($50 for a tour and a copy of the book), $10 for children ages 6-12, and children under 6 free. Registrations are limited to 50 walkers, and a liability waiver will be required.

FVM will also have other items available for a donation on July 31, including limited edition challenge coins and the “Historic Flossmoor Sites” coloring book created by FVM Vice President Dick Condon. Condon, a Korean War veteran who moved to Flossmoor in 1932, has hand-drawn copies of 16 historic Flossmoor photographs.

“We’ll keep residents updated on our fundraising goals,” said Braun. We welcome every donation and very much appreciate the community’s support.”

Other corporate officers and members of the fundraising and communications subcommittees include John Beele, Kristine Condon, Flossmoor Village Trustee Brian Driscoll, Jim Fornaciari, Josh Grenard, Robert Guilfoyle, Phil Lee, Flossmoor Village Clerk Gina LoGalbo, Tony Manos, Greg Mitchell, Erich Stockwell, and Calvin Young. Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson serves as an ex-officio member of the committee.

To register, visit https://flossmoorvets.square.s...