Veteran’s Memorial Island

I still remember the first time I came here, shortly after the memorial had been erected, and last week I visited again after nearly 20 years when I was in search for a nice, semi-​quiet, green spot to escape from the world for thirty minutes to enjoy my ice cream in peace and serenity. Who knew that a little island under a busy bridge near downtown Aurora would be so perfect?! I’m only sad that I didn’t think to check it out earlier in the summer.
Located under the bridge on Illinois Avenue between Broadway (Rt. 25) and Lake Street (Rt. 31), one wouldn’t think that it would be so easy to access, but he would be wrong! If you’re heading west across the bridge you’ll have to park on either end of the bridge, which basically gives you two opportunities to park; if you’re heading east across the bridge you’ll turn off into a parking lot about half-​way across the bridge right down onto the island. If you parked on either end of the bridge, it’s a short walk across the bridge, from which you’ll be descending to the island within a few minutes of getting out of your car. The island itself is separated into two halves connected by a short tunnel (my nephew got a real kick out of the echoes in there), with the memorial on the northern half of the island, and the parking lot (and not much else beside a little green space) on the southern half.
The memorial itself is nice, if not fairly plain and non-​descript, and the grounds are neat and well maintained, with trees and benches all along the perimeter to provide shade and places to sit. I’ve been here twice recently and found myself all alone both times – which was really awesome – apart from my nephew and the geese, and it was surprising how quiet, serene, and picturesque it felt knowing what madness was taking place right above my head. The first time I came I sat in the shade and enjoyed my ice cream, just loving my surroundings and enjoying the views, but the last time (with my nephew) was a little more solemn, though ice cream was still involved. For anyone with veterans in the family, or anyone who feels the urge or wish to honor them, it’s REALLY nice knowing that there’s a memorial dedicated to them so close by. With several veterans in my family, this memorial was a wonderful way to begin introducing my nephew to some of his history – if not just history in general – and though still young, I was surprised by how many questions he had and how much he actually understood. I actually didn’t think he would find it interesting or would become engaged in it, but I think there’s something about not just the solemnity of the place, but particularly the interesting, massive, and otherwise functionless memorial that made him question where we were and what this place was all about.
I think I would have rated this place four stars, simply because it was a great spot to escape, but how can I rate a memorial to veterans any less than five stars??? I don’t think I could unless it was treated like crap and left to the elements, and this memorial is certainly well-​tended, and I genuinely and unselfishly hope to see more people here, even if it means I have to share my quiet spot. So whether you’re close by and just need a place to stop and take a break for a little while, or just feeling the need to go and think of, or ‘honor’ or whatever, a friend, loved one, or stranger, please come down to the island and visit. Oh and just a note, there isn’t (unfortunately) a garbage can on the memorial side of the island, so please head through the tunnel and find a garbage can on the other side or take it back with you to dispose of properly – don’t be a jerk. And even better, if you see some harmless piece of trash that won’t hurt you or threaten your health to pick up, then at least maybe think about it; if you won’t do it for the earth, then at least do it for the vets.