THE GOLD STAR MOTHERS AND FAMILIES OF FALLEN SOLDIERS WERE HONORED AT A CEREMONY IN SPRINGFIELD SUNDAY. 

THE WEEKEND WAS A TIME TO BRING TOGETHER THOSE WHO HAVE LOST A LOVED ONE ON ACTIVE DUTY, AND RECOGNIZE THEIR PAIN AND SACRIFICE. ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR AND BRIGADIER GENERAL ALICIA TATE NADEAU WAS THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT THE EVENT.

GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER:

AT THE END OF THE CEREMONY, THE NAMES OF FALLEN HEROES WERE READ AND THEIR MOTHERS WERE GIVEN A YELLOW ROSE WHICH THEY PLACED AT THE FOOT OF THE FLAG REPRESENTING THEIR SON OR DAUGHTER'S BRANCH OF SERVICE.