CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — On the 20th anniversary of the start of the Iraq War, former Gov. Pat Quinn and Cook County officials welcomed “Portrait of a Soldier,” an exhibit honoring Illinois service members who died in the line of duty.
The exhibit is, essentially, two rows of big banners displaying faces, names, rank and hometowns of about 300 military personnel who gave their lives since Sept. 11, 2001.
Quinn helped bring the display of graphite pictures into the Cook County Building lobby.
“It’s important for people, on various days across the year — whether it’s Memorial Day, or Fourth of July, or 9/11, or Veterans’ Day — to know who the veterans are and who those who gave their last full measure of devotion to our democracy,” Quinn said. “[To know] who they are, to say their name.”
Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller welcomed officials and the media to the exhibit.
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“I come from a military family, as well, where duty and honor have always been a focus in my home,” Miller said. “It’s important that we pay tribute and honor the memory of these brave men and women.”
Quinn, who’s attended several service people’s funerals, praised members of the Gold Star families who attended.
“There are no words in the English language, or any language, to relieve the pain of a mom and a dad losing their son or daughter in defense of our democracy,” he said.
The portraits will be on display through Saturday.
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