Sunday was Veterans and Gold Star Families Day at the Illinois State Fair.
The Veteran’s Day program included music from the Illinois Army National Guard’s 144th Army Band. Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton was a speaker.
“To the Veterans here with us today, you have left your mark on this country with your service and sacrifice and we thank you. Your patriotism and dedication to keeping us safe, your strength and skill, this is what heroes are made of.”
The families of fallen soldiers were honored at a special brunch and rose ceremony to start off the day. Joe Schaler, Illinois State Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart told the crowd that when he was serving, it was all about surviving, not necessarily considering the families back home.
