CROWN POINT | A window display that started as an Independence Day tribute has become a symbolic statement of support.

"Lots of people have asked, 'Why are you doing this?' Well, why wouldn't we?" said Ruth Dunn, of Lowell.

Toward the end of June, it was employee Nancy Levine's turn to create the window display at the Antique Mall of Crown Point, 103 W. Joliet St. Because July 4 was approaching, she decided to fill the window with military memorabilia and added photos of her nephews, who are serving in the military. As others at the store got wind of her idea, they offered up photos of their relatives, including Dunn, who provided her father's World War I uniform, his medals and his photograph.

"(The window) was to show our support," Levine said. "Now the ladies don't want to take it down until the war is over."

Levine said it has been fun to watch people walk by the store and stop at the window, which is filled with photographs, uniforms, military-theme toys, military sheet music and even a chandelier made from an old artillery shell.

Al Kubiak, of Crown Point, runs an antique booth in the store and donated his uniform and photograph to the display from when he served as a Marine from 1955 to 1959. Like many involved in the display, he has his own ideas about current military conflicts.

"There's gentlemen out there dying," Kubiak said. "Once they're there, they can't just pull out and say, 'That's it.'"

When considering overseas conflicts, Dunn hopes that "all those children come home safe."