ST. CHARLES Each day, about a thousand people walk through the main hallway of the Kane County Court branch at 540 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Now, visitors will be able to get a glimpse of the newly installed Freedom Shrine, dedicated by the Tri-Cities Exchange Club.

The Freedom Shrine is a permanently mounted collection of 30 of the most important and historic American documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Gettysburg Address.

We hope people will take the time to stop and study the words of our forefathers, often written in their own hands, and gain a renewed appreciation for our amazing historical heritage, said Mark Cecchi, ExchangeClub member and co-chair of the project.

Cecchi, of St. Charles, served 13 years as a U.S. Air Force officer and pilot with duty on seven continents, including four in hostile fire zones.

As part of the Exchange Clubs Americanism mission, Cecchi and fellow co-chair Charlie Brown, approached county officials about installing a Freedom Shrine at the court building. They logged many hours of planning and effort to complete the presentation.Attending last week's dedication ceremony were Chris Lauzen, Kane County Board chairman; Judge Judy Brawka, chief judge of the 16th Judicial Circuit; and Scot Warren, representing the National Exchange Club organization, along with about 20 other Exchange members and friends.

The Freedom Shrine originated from the Freedom Train that toured the nation in 1947, carrying an exhibit of historical documents. Thousands of shrines have been dedicated around the country in universities, libraries, schools, state capitals and city halls.

As Brawka noted, the court building is an ideal place for the Freedom Shrine, as it is these very documents from which the judicial system derives its authority to oversee the laws that guarantee freedom for all Americans.

Committed to making the community a better place, Tri-Cities Exchange Club is a volunteer service organization with a focus on patriotism and the prevention of child abuse. Local social service organizations supported by the groups fundraising efforts include: The Salvation Army, TriCity FamilyServices, Riverwoods Christian Center, Kane County CASA and Lazarus House.

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Freedom Shrine on display in St. Charles