SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State leaders honored the families of fallen soldiers statewide over the weekend — known as Gold Star Families.
The state hosted what was an otherwise private event for the families Sunday in Springfield. “Gold Star families” are the families of soldiers whose lives were lost during the Iraq War — but has come to symbolize those lost in any war, in many cases.
“Your family member is a hero to everyone in this room, and far beyond,” said Brigadier General Alicia Tate Nadeau, head of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, the keynote speaker. “I know that you never wanted to be here this weekend. It’s a group that no one wants to join. It’s the only group that truly understands grief.”
Each Gold Star mother was given a yellow rose the placed at the foot of a flag representing that loved one’s branch of service.
“The people of Illinois share grief and gratitude for you and your loved one’s sacrifice,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “Most of us will never truly know what it’s like to stand in their shoes. But, I want you to know that the State of Illinois stands with you in remembrance of the fallen.”
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