LENA — The Northwest Illinois F-4 Jet Memorial Committee will be holding a dedication ceremony of the Northwest Illinois Aerial Combat Memorial. The memorial will serve to Honor, Educate, and Inspire for many generations.

The dedication ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 23, at 2 p.m. The location will be on West Main Street in Lena between the Memorial site and the American Legion Home. Handicapped parking will be available on Vernon Street, south of Main Street. Seating will be limited, so those planning on attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

Guest speaker will be retired Maj. Gen. John Borling. He is retired from the United States Air Force and his military career spanned 33 years. He has piloted many aircraft including the F-4, F-15, F-16, SR-71 Blackbird, and the U-2, B-1 and B-52 Bombers. During the Vietnam War, his aircraft was shot down and he spent 6 and 1/2 years as a P.O.W. in Hanoi. His book “Taps on the Wall”, a collection of poems that he wrote while in captivity will be available for purchase

Following the ceremony a reception with light refreshments will be held in the American Legion Home. In case of inclement weather the ceremony will be held in the Lena-Winslow High School Gymnasium.

The Northwest Illinois F-4 Jet Memorial Committee consists of Robert (Bing) Wells, Richard Gambrel, Julia Moore, Dennis Bergman, Dennis Luke, Gary Buss, Henry Saavedra, Michael Brose, Tim Schoeny, Marsha Tessendorf, and Terry Yount