Wauconda library unveils memorial for woman killed in Iraq
It has been nearly a year since Nicole Suveges died in Iraq while working as a civilian political scientist, but her memory lives on outside the Wauconda Area Public Library.
A 200-square-foot memorial garden featuring rose bushes, begonias, day lilies, a cobblestone walk and sitting area now honors Suveges' life and work.
"This is the perfect place to read a book on a sunny afternoon or simply to stop and smell the roses," Library Director Tom Kern said.
The garden was donated by Suveges' parents, Ed and Rita, and the Nicole Suveges Memorial Fund. Work to build the garden was completed June 18.
"I wanted a place that would memorialize her, and (with Nicole) loving books and loving the outdoors we thought this would be a great idea," Rita Suveges said.
Throughout July, a special flag will fly over the garden on loan from Suveges' husband, David Iverson. It was given to him last year by U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus, commanding general of the multinational force in Iraq. The flag was flown July 3, 2008 over the U.S. Embassy in Iraq in Suveges' honor.
The garden's memorial plaque quotes a letter from Secretary of the Army Pete Geren: "Nicole's heroism, her selfless dedication to conflict resolution and peace, her daily demonstration of courage, and ultimate sacrifice reflect the greatest credit upon herself, the Department of Defense and the United States of America."
Suveges was killed last year in Iraq. She was a civilian political scientist working for BAE Systems, a Maryland firm advising the U.S. Army. She previously served as an Army reservist in Sarajevo, Bosnia- Herzegovina. She last lived in Maryland, but grew up in Lake County. Ed and Rita Suveges are longtime residents of Wauconda.
Suveges held a Master of Arts in international affairs from George Washington University and a Master of Arts in political science from Johns Hopkins University. She was in the process of completing her Ph.D. in political science with an emphasis on international relations from John Hopkins when she died.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, the anniversary of Suveges' death. The service will be in the garden at the Wauconda Area Public Library, 801 N. Main St.
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