Gold Star Memorial 2021

On June 16th, 2010, Naperville resident, Army Pfc. Gunnar Hotchkin, lost his life when he and his unit were attacked by insurgents in Afghanistan with an improvised explosive device. He left behind his wife, Erin, their three children, as well as his parents, Christine and Randall Hotchkin, his brother, Kurt, and other extended family members. At his funeral, then Governor Quinn stated, "Every day he was on this Earth, he worked to help others.  He loved his country more than himself."

On May 31st, the Obama Legacy Initiative Interns and Home Depot, our corporate sponsors, are proud to dedicate a Gold Star Memorial Raised Garden Bed to honor Pfc. Gunnar Hotchkin and his family.  The event will be live-streamed on social media platforms and recorded by NCTV.  Keynote speaker Troy Davis is an award-winning orator from DuPage County and student at Eastern Kentucky University. Additional speakers include members of the Hotchkin family, Obama Legacy Interns, and Home Depot Executives.

A Color Guard will be performed by the Woodridge VFW; Mayor Gina Cunningham will lead the ceremony and an Honor Guard will be present. Violinist and DuPage County Board Member, Lynn LaPlante and the Brass String Chamber Ensemble will provide musical accompaniment.

Although we would love to have everyone in attendance, COVID would make that unwise.  What we are most respectfully asking of each of you is to spend a few minutes to create a very short video tribute...30 seconds or so...to show your appreciation for the Hotchkin family's sacrifice and that of all our fallen soldiers and their families. The message we hope to convey is that they will not be forgotten.  The video may be sent to info@obamalegacyinitiative.org. 

Call us for more information at: 630-461-4828