Dignitaries including the director of the Illinois Dept of Veterans Affairs took part in a Friday mid-day ceremony remembering America’s victory in 1991s Operation Desert Storm and honoring the 18 soldiers from Illinois who gave their lives in defense of freedom

Terry Price, himself a 31-year Navy veteran, who now is Illinois’ top caretaker of the men and woman who served the state and the nation spoke to the assembled about the courage and sacrifice of those who gave their all so that other could enjoy the blessings of liberty.

Lt. Colonel, Mike Barton, was the keynote speaker at the rose laying event. He reminded the audience of President Lincolns encouragment that we must always “care for him who has bourne the battle and also for his widow and his orphan”.

Freddie Rocha with IDVA tells WTAX News that the American veteran has a better level of care than ever before but there is still much to do.