Located near 100 N Water St, Rockford, IL 61107.
The angel, Hope, stands over four feet tall and at the base, “Forever in our Hearts” is inscribed. Rockford Memorial Development Foundation gave the statue to the Rockford Park District and families to have a peaceful place to remember children they have lost.
More than 100 communities have installed similar angel statues, which are inspired by the book “The Christmas Box” by Richard Paul Evans. In the book, a woman mourns the loss of her child at the base of an angel monument.
Christine Tillou had been a fan of Evans’ work and first contacted the Rockford Memorial Development Foundation about erecting a statue in Rockford.
The city’s statue — the 37th to be erected — was installed May 04, 2003. The Angel of Hope statue is in Waterside Park near State and Water streets. The sculpture provides a place for families to honor children who have died, lost in miscarriage or still born.
“We liked that it was centrally located, and it’s accessible, yet it has an air about it that’s very private,” Tillou said. “People are continually visiting it. I’m very grateful that it still exists.”
Source: Wright, Leanne. “Angel of Hope Statue.” Clio: Your Guide to History. August 4, 2017. Accessed August 3, 2023. https://theclio.com/entry/44259
___________________________________________
Four-foot- bronze angel atop a granite base. Inscribed: “Forever in Our Hearts. With hope in her wing, may anyone who has ever felt the loss of a child find this pace to mourn and heal.” (The word “hope” is hidden in the angel’s right wing.) Inspired by the best-selling novel, “The Christmas Box,” by Richard Paul Evans.
Source: Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Rockford Public Art Trail.” Website Accessed 8/3/2023. https://www.gorockford.com/things-to-do/public-art-trail/
