Albert Ekstom doesn’t want to let anybody forget about Vietnam and the Persian Gulf.

That’s why Ekstrom, the publicity chairman for the Dekalb County Vietnow chapter, is planning a vigil to remember those protecting freedom and democracy across the globe.

“Any kind of support is support enough,” Ekstrom said.

A 24-hour vigil is slated for the DeKalb County Courthouse in Downtown Sycamore on Nov. 9 at 6 p.m.

The vigil is for everyone,”no matter who you are, to show support,” Ekstrom said. Just dropping by to read the names of servicemen on a plaque or laying flowers down on the ground is appreciated.

Ekstrom said he hopes word will spread about the vigil before the ceremony takes place because “too many times, (these events) get no publicity and go unnoticed.”

Unfortunately, the publicity often comes afterward and the support needed and appreciated isn’t produced at the right time, he said.

Ekstrom also wants to get across that the vigil isn’t just to honor the soldiers who fought in the Vietnam crisis, but also to honor the soldiers in the Persian Gulf right now. Trees on the courthouse lawn will be decorated with yellow ribbons to honor the soldiers in the Gulf.

The vigil will conclude the next day with a closing ceremony consisting of a color guard and the playing of Taps. A few words will be spoken at the end, as well as appearances by DeKalb Mayor Greg Sparrow and Sycamore Mayor Red Johnson.

However, Ekstrom believes the most important aspect of the vigil is the people and their support.