More than 7,000 names appear on 13 panels that make up the Middle East Conflicts Memorial Wall in Marseilles, Ill. Photo by Michael Mantucca

Lexie Gifford was among the Gold Star family members who participated in the June 15 event. Photo by Michael Mantucca

Susan Moreno (back to camera) and Florence McSween greet one another at the memorial wall. Both are Gold Star mothers. Photo by Michael Mantucca

Emily Toro honors her son and others with these boots and the "Step into Their Boots" program. Photo by Michael Mantucca

Thousands of riders gather for the motorcycle rally that kicks off the day's events. Photo by Michael Mantucca

Emily Toro rides a motorcycle as it enters the downtown Marseilles area. Photo by Michael Mantucca

Susan Moreno waves to onlookers as the riders converge on downtown. Photo by Michael Mantucca

A family member reaches out to a loved one's name on the wall. Photo by Michael Mantucca

Family members etch a loved one's name at the Middle East Conflicts Memorial Wall in Marseilles, Ill. Photo by Michael Mantucca

A steady stream of family members, friends and others paid tribute to those honored on the wall. Photo by Michael Mantucca

Susan Moreno and another Gold Star mother embrace during the reading of the names of the 226 servicemembers who died in the Mideast in the past year. Photo by Michael Mantucca

Bowed heads and teary eyes marked the service. Photo by Michael Mantucca

Toward the end of the event, Susan Moreno is consoled as she mourns at the panel where her son is memorialized. Photo by Michael Mantucca

The memorial has etching paper available for those who want to participate. Photo by Michael Mantucca

A rider had custom artwork done on his motorcycle, honoring his son. Photo by Michael Mantucca

Pictures, bottles of alcohol and other mementos are left at the wall. Photo by Michael Mantucca