Ever since, it has rented much of the building to the visitors bureau. Surely Winnebago County and the city of Rockford can come up with money, perhaps through some of the hotel-motel tax receipts, to make proper use of Memorial Hall. The visitors bureau can move elsewhere. And I am positive the arts community can develop a living, breathing museum where actors play roles of real, Winnebago County soldiers. I and II and a POW camp for German and Italian troops.
Exhibits can show graphically that yes, war really is hell.
Most veterans don't seek tributes to themselves or their exploits. Men who have known battle do not want to dwell on the horrors they have seen. Honoring the sacrifices our warriors made to preserve our liberty is, literally, the least we can do. Political editor Chuck Sweeny's columns appear Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Rockford Register Star .