About The LZ Peace Memorial

The LZ Peace Memorial is a place of honor for those veterans who served our country, in war and in peace. This memorial stands as a testimony to those soldiers from Winnebago County who made the ultimate sacrifice at a time of great conflict. We’re located at Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, in Rockford, Illinois.

Four Vietnam veterans, Tony Bove, Paul Cassioppi, Tony Circelli and Nick Parnello spearheaded the building of this memorial which took over 20 years to complete. The Wall of Honor pays special tribute to those soldiers from Winnebago County who paid the ultimate price in Vietnam.

The names of over 75 veterans are etched into the wall, forever reminding us that their courage was our greatest triumph and their sacrifice was our greatest loss. Also, in this peaceful setting, a Huey helicopter that served in Vietnam rests above the Wall of Honor.

Every Memorial Day and Veterans Day at 11 a.m. members of the Vietnam Veteran’s Honor Society hold a memorial service honoring those who died in Vietnam and in all other American wars.

Featured speakers have been parents and family members of those killed in Vietnam: Dorothy Boyer, whose son has been missing since 1968; Mike Lenker, a former POW; Sheriff Dick Meyers; Paul Logli, former States Attorney; and many others.

For many years, Marine Vietnam veteran Gino Cuppini’s band played patriot music to set the stage featuring the Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, and Taps. Last year Marine Vietnam veteran Don Allen played Taps. Believe it or not, Don can still fit into his uniform, proving the old saying, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.”

In the past several years a Vietnam-veteran Huey helicopter has flown overhead and landed in a field of tall grass. When it happens again you’re welcome to climb aboard and touch this angel of mercy that came bringing food, ammunition, medical supplies, and hope. Then the Hueys lifted out the dead and wounded, and for many it would be the last time they ever saw an old friend.