 "Mr. Roenna has dedicated many years of selfless service to the
veterans in Illinois and continues to help improve the quality of
life for our former POWs," said Blagojevich. "Today we honor Mr.
Roenna and all ex-POWs for their courage, perseverance and strength
and for their help in making our country free."This year's ex-POW
ceremony was in conjunction with
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. Dozens of
Illinois ex-POWs and their families visited the governor's mansion
for the special observance honoring their courage and service to our
nation. With prayers, speeches, a military honor guard and anthems,
the annual ceremony pays tribute to United States servicemen and
women who were imprisoned in all wars.
The full text of the governor's proclamation follows:
WHEREAS, many loyal
and brave Americans who served in the wars of this nation were
captured by the enemy or listed as missing in action while
performing their duties; and
WHEREAS, despite
strict rules and regulations set forth by international codes,
American Prisoners of War have often suffered unconscionable
treatment and many have died as a result of cruel and inhumane acts
by their enemy captors; and
WHEREAS, it is
exceedingly fitting that we recognize the sacrifices of American
Prisoners of War and those missing in action; and
WHEREAS, these
heroic soldiers have demonstrated their love and convictions in the
people and freedoms of this country by enduring these tragedies and
in many unfortunate cases by giving the ultimate sacrifice:
THEREFORE, I, Rod
R. Blagojevich, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby
proclaim April 9, 2008 as AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR RECOGNITION
DAY in Illinois, and encourage all citizens to take a moment to
honor and remember the men and women who suffered while fighting to
make America a better place for all to live.
The governor's Veteran of the Month award is a distinction that
is given monthly to military veterans who give back to their
community and other veterans.
"The Veteran of the Month award is a way for us to thank some of
the brave men and women who have served in the military and then
continue to serve their community," said Duckworth, the director of
the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. "It is only
appropriate that today, on American Ex-POW Recognition Day, we honor
Mr. Roenna with the April Veteran of the Month award for all of his
work with his fellow former POWs."
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Roenna honorably served in the U.S. Army 1st Ranger Battalion
(Darby's Rangers) during World War II. His unit was overtaken by the
German army, and the entire battalion was either killed or taken
prisoner. Roenna was a prisoner of war for 17 months. As a soldier,
he earned the World War II Victory Medal, a Purple Heart, the
European- African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with two bronze
stars, three Overseas Service Bars and the Army Good Conduct Medal.
For the last seven years, he has lived his life serving those who
have served our country, specifically those who were taken prisoners
during battle. He serves as an accredited national service officer
representing the American
Ex-Prisoners of War and has assisted over 150 former POWs in
their compensation claims processing with the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs. His ability to get former POWs to share their
experiences is remarkable. He has also served in several officer
positions with the American Ex-Prisoners of War at the chapter,
state and national level. He is currently serving as the state
junior vice commander for the organization.
Roenna is a loyal and dedicated volunteer to Illinois veterans,
advocating for all those in need. He is an active member of Veterans
of Foreign Wars, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Disabled
American Veterans and the American Legion. He currently resides in
Medinah with his wife, Marianne.
The Veteran of the Month award highlights the work of community
activists who are also military veterans. Each month, on behalf of
the governor, the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs
recognizes a different person or group for contributing to the
betterment of communities across the state of Illinois. To nominate
a Veteran of the Month, please visit
www.state.il.us/agency/dva or call at 217-785-4114 to obtain a
list of guidelines and a nomination form.
[Text from file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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