Erected in November 1896, the DeKalb County Soldiers and Sailors Monument – a memorial dedicated in ode to Civil War veterans – has a long history, once complicated by theft.

The length of the walk was meant to symbolize the fact that 22 veterans or service members die by suicide daily, according to the American Legion.

For many, efforts to thank U.S. veterans for their service don’t extend beyond the usual holidays and parades. But one Cortland man has taken it upon himself to make sure veterans aren’t forgotten long after their deaths.

For many, efforts to thank U.S. veterans for their service don’t extend beyond the usual holidays and parades. But one Cortland man has taken it upon himself to make sure veterans aren’t forgotten long after their deaths.

Army veteran Mike Crawford built two Sycamore businesses, coached youth sports, and survived a rare liver disease – crediting military discipline and mental toughness for every step.

In the heart of Sycamore, dozens of U.S. veterans lie buried under DeKalb County soil. To preserve their legacies, every year in the early fall, the DeKalb County History Center joins forces with the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War

The annual DeKalb County Toy Run, put on by the DeKalb County Marines, set out to raise donations to help uplift the spirits of children and their families with toys around the holiday season.

Gallery

Check out our photos from our Thank You, Veterans special section in DeKalb County for 2025.

May 1 wasn’t just National Principal’s Day for Jefferson Elementary’s Melanie Bickley. She also received a surprise: She was named Administrator of the Year by the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.