9-6-22 UPDATE from, Mark Shields

Friends and classmates, 

I wanted to give you an important update on the progress on the Veterans Park and Monument for those killed in action and ask for your help one more time. 

First, the good news.  The Veterans Park at Greenbay and Deerpath has received major landscaping and is a fitting retreat.  Do visit it if you have a chance. The fundraising is going very well. The goal is in sight, especially if all pledges are completed. 

Second, the potential bad news.  The American Legion has just recently learned that it needs to present plans for the monument to the Lake Forest Historic Preservation Commission.  This is despite encouragement by the City Council about the monument and a loan from the City over a year ago to start the process for the monument. At an initial meeting with the sculpture (award winning individual who did the Chicago Viet Nam Veterans memorial and the Michael Jordan statute at United Center among other work) and the Legion, the Commission voiced reservations. 

As a reminder I have attached the front and back views of the monument.  It would be wonderful if you could in the very near future send a letter (template attached) to the Commission.  It would be very helpful if you would encourage others in your class to do the same.  Finally, for those in the Lake Forest area (especially current residents), a significant statement would be made if they would attend the public hearing on this matter at the next meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission on Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 6:30 pm at LF City Hall, Second Floor, 220 E. Deerpath Rd. 

It is particularly frustrating to me when we are so close to completing this project that another hurdle has been raised. 

Best personal regards, 

Mark 

Mark C. Shields, M.D.
cell 630-886-9561
1660 N. Hudson
Apt. 3L
Chicago, Ill. 60614

Template:

Ms. Maureen Grinnell, Chairperson
Historical Preservation Commission
City of Lake Forest
220 E. Deerpath
Lake Forest, IL  60045

Dear Ms. Grinnell:

I write to you in support of the Monument application to your Commission made by the McKinlock Post Foundation.  I have donated to help finance this project. 

I am a graduate of Lake Forest High School, class of 1964.

The design that you are reviewing is beautiful, magnificent, lovely, attractive (pick one or something else).   It will be an excellent addition to Veterans’ Memorial Park, and it will be a fitting tribute to Carl Thorne-Thompsen who was my classmate.

Thank you for your attention.  I join with so many of my school classmates.  Please vote yes. 

Sincerely yours,