For the third year in a row, veterans from across Illinois traveled to Springfield to take part in Veterans Legislative Day hosted by the Senate Republican Caucus.

Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno delivered the opening remarks, specially thanking this year’s sponsor, Wal-Mart, which was represented at the event by Jason Wetzel, Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Wal-Mart.

Later, the Colors were presented and the assembly was led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Later, a flag folding ceremony was conducted, during leaders explained what each of the 13 folds of the flag represent.

The rest of the day was filled with a variety of speakers, including Senate Republican members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Senator Tim Bivins (R-Dixon) provided some personal anecdotes to illustrate the importance of patriotism and the price of our personal liberties.

 John O. Jones (R-Mt. Vernon) honored the late Senator Adeline Geo-Karis, who was a decorated Navy veteran and avidly encouraged the creation of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.

Other members of the committee include Sen. Gary Dahl (R-Granville) who briefly addressed the crowd on the status of the LaSalle Veterans Home and his planned trip on the Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

Sen. Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon) used the opportunity to speak about his father, who is a retired Lieutenant Colonel Chaplain, his son who will be graduating from the Air Force Academy, and his brother, who recently returned from Afghanistan.

Also, in attendance was Assistant Senate Republican Leader Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac) who thanked the veterans for their service, while Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford), who spoke briefly about the state budget and the impact a tax increase could have on job growth.

Representatives from Illinois’ Department of Veterans’ Affairs, spoke and answered questions from veterans, while representatives from Congressmen Peter Roskam’s, Aaron Schock’s and John Shimkus’ offices fielded veterans’ questions, helped them better understand what benefits are currently available to veterans, and told them how to go about obtaining those benefits.

The Senate Republican Caucus would like to thank all the veterans who attended the event, as well as the speakers, participants and representatives who once again made the day such a success!