Pride In Crystal Lake Award (PICA) Presented to the Crystal Lake Historical Society Union Soldier Restoration

The Crystal Lake Historical Society Union Soldier Restoration received this award for recently completing a six year project to restore the Union Soldier at Union Cemetery in Crystal Lake.

The statue is cast in zinc and was originally erected in 1889.  Over the decades, the soldier began leaning backwards to the point where it was feared he would fall and shatter.  In addition, his rifle had been stolen.

The Crystal Lake Historical Society raised $60,000 in donations from the community to restore the statue that was returned to his “post” in 2012.  A time capsule was installed in the base of the statue on Veteran’s Day 2012,  and the statue was rededicated to those who bravely served our country with the hope that future generations remember the sacrifice of our local citizens who bravely defended our freedom.

The Pride in Crystal Lake Award is presented quarterly to a business, organization or individual who has exhibited “pride in Crystal Lake.” The award is co-sponsored by the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce and Schafer Brothers Remodeling, Inc.

Pictured left to right:

Laurel Mellien, Diana Kenney, Jan Czosnyka, Mike Czosnyka, Gary Reece, Ann Viger, Commander Tom Aellig, Chris O’Connor