Afternoon video
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - Posted by Rich Miller * We tend to get caught up in our own goofy frenzies during the final week of session, but there’s a moving display at the Statehouse which reminds us how small our problems really are. The display of Illinois’ fallen soldiers since the beginning of the Afghan and Iraq wars has attracted plenty of attention since it was erected this week. Our video camera ain’t great, so we apologize for the quality, but here are a few minutes of silent tribute… Please, be civil in comments.
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- Jim Watson - Wednesday, May 27, 09 @ 1:20 pm:
Rich: Thanks for taking the time to remember these brave men and women … it helps keep things in perspective. Semper Fi, Jim Watson
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Wednesday, May 27, 09 @ 1:38 pm:
Although our problems may seem small compared to those who gave their last full measure to protect our country and our freedom, I believe it is because of these hero’s that our problems are small and why our public servants should perform their duties with honor and respect deserving of the sacrifice others gave.
Democracy is a hard won right secured by these soldiers and thousands of others, many still missing in action. The leaders who have the authority to make laws and send our troops into action have the obligation to at least perform in a manner that respects those they lead.
I hope this display reminds them of that.
- Alison Mormino - Wednesday, May 27, 09 @ 1:53 pm:
A wonderful display indeed and Eastern Illinois University is proud to call the artist an alumnus.
- OneMan - Wednesday, May 27, 09 @ 1:57 pm:
Caught this when it came to Aurora, one of the people pictured lived next to my wife’s grandmother in Genoa. Kind of brought it all home for me again.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, May 27, 09 @ 2:32 pm:
God bless these fine men and women and all our service personnel and their families.
Thanks Rich for bringing this to our attention.
- dupage dan - Wednesday, May 27, 09 @ 2:43 pm:
God bless the men and women pictured here - along with their families. God bless the men and women who serve - along with their families. I, along with my family, thank all for their service. We thank the families of those who serve - theirs may be the hardest job of all.
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, May 27, 09 @ 2:45 pm:
Without the honor and personal sacrifice made by these brave men and women, we would not have the freedoms and liberty we so selfishly abuse.
- legally blonde - Wednesday, May 27, 09 @ 4:06 pm:
I have a friend with 2 sons in the military. One is about to leave for Iraq and another son headed to Afghanistan. Please keep them in your prayers.
- Squideshi - Wednesday, May 27, 09 @ 4:38 pm:
“Mankind’s desire for peace can be realized only by the creation of a world government. With all my heart, I believe that the world’s present system of sovereign nations can only lead to barbarism, war and inhumanity, and that only world law can assure progress towards a civilized peaceful community.” –Albert Einstein
- Cheswick - Wednesday, May 27, 09 @ 4:41 pm:
Thank you for bringing this very touching exhibit to our attention, Rich. We’ll be sure to see it in person before it leaves (on Sunday).
My daughter’s husband is currently serving in Afghanistan.
- Laura - Wednesday, May 27, 09 @ 5:40 pm:
We have a family member in Afghanistan right now. This moving tribute is a humbling reminder of their sacrifice and bravery. The artist did a remarkable job, thanks for sharing the video.
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, May 27, 09 @ 6:03 pm:
Thanks for posting, Rich. Many are so young…God Bless them all and all our brave Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, and Marines.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, May 27, 09 @ 6:21 pm:
They’re so young. I guess it’s always been that way.
- AL - Wednesday, May 27, 09 @ 7:10 pm:
The true heros of Illinois, thank you Rich!
- Eddy - Wednesday, May 27, 09 @ 11:10 pm:
My cousin, John Sullivan, is on that display. He was killed in a blackhawk helicopter crash in November 2003. He never got to see his twins, who were born while he was in Iraq. His brother, Michael, was here for the tribute by the Governor’s office on Tuesday. Thanks for the video, Rich. They are truly heroes, and God’s angels for all the freedoms we sometimes take for granted.