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To date, 170 Illinois soldiers have been lost since Sept. 11, 2001.
Guest speaker Lt. Gov Pat Quinn offered words of honor for our
soldiers. He recalled that many of our soldiers would have been in
high school when that terrible day of 9/11 happened. And it was
probably hard to believe that they would be far away, serving in
Iraq or Afghanistan, in just a few short years. But that is just
what they did. They answered the call to duty. Many of us should be
very proud of their sacrifice and thank their families, he said.
In 1863 Abraham Lincoln said that it is the duty of the living
never to forget those who gave their "last full measure of devotion"
to our democracy.
"That is what every soldier of 'Portrait of a Soldier' did; they
gave their last full measure," Quinn said. They are special
Americans who define heroism.
Quinn frowns on calling sports figures or rock stars heroes. It
is our duty to remember the service and sacrifice that young men and
women have made as soldiers, he said.
To the parents of the lost soldiers, he said: "There is no one
who knows the pain of losing someone that they've known since they
were born. The people of Illinois thank you eternally for raising
such wonderful young sons and daughters."
He quoted the young widow Jacqueline Kennedy, who said, "If you
bungle raising your children, nothing else in life matters."
Quinn said to Gold Star parents: "You did not bungle raising your
son or daughter. You did the hardest thing to do in life, raising
your son or daughter in the right way, and you did it very well."
He encouraged everyone to take time to see the portraits and look
into the eyes of the soldiers portrayed in the drawings.
Lori Bottrell spoke on behalf of Rep. Rich Brauer, Sen. Bill
Brady and Sen. Larry Bomke, who are currently tied up in Springfield
veto sessions. The legislators sent a message of appreciation for
supporting and honoring our soldiers with the ceremony and in giving
the gift of Christmas books and messages to the soldiers. (See
related article.)
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The event was sponsored by Main Street Lincoln.
The portrait artist is Cameron Schilling.
The American Legion color guard provided a 21-gun salute.
Patriotic music was provided by the Mount Pulaski High School
Band, the West Lincoln-Broadwell Chorus, Wayne Schrader and Noah
Schrader.
Prayers were by the Rev. Karen Diefendorf and the Rev. Richard
Reinwald.
Emcee was Terry Bell.
Mayor Elizabeth Davis-Kavelman introduced the lieutenant
governor.
Lincoln College hosted a reception afterward.
A message from Tecia Hennessey, chairman for the observance, and
Roger Matson, co-chairman:
"Most of all, thank you to all of those who serve in the military
service. We wish to recognize all who have served to protect the
United States of America."
As we approach Veterans Day, let us remember we are grateful and
so very fortunate to have those who are willing to give their lives
so we may remain free.
The portraits remain on display inside the courthouse through
Tuesday. The courthouse is open Friday and Monday 8:30 a.m.-4:30
p.m. and will be open special hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this
Saturday and Sunday.
[Jan
Youngquist]
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