Press Release - Monday, September 11, 2006
Press Releases
No Data
QUINN PAYS TRIBUTE TO FALLEN BYRON HERO MARINE LANCE CPL ANDREW PATTEN
(BYRON) - Today, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn paid tribute to fallen Byron hero, Marine Lance CPL Andrew Patten at a memorial dedication ceremony held in his honor at Byron Cemetery.
Quinn was joined by Patten's family - his mother Gail Naschansky, his father Allen Patten, and his sister Allison Patten.
Patten, a 2004 graduate of Byron High School, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment headquartered at Twentynine Palms, California.
Patten died December 1, 2005 from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Fallujah, Iraq. He was 19 years old.
The memorial is a 45-inch tall bronze statue that recreates the ceremonial arrangement of a fallen soldier's boots, rifle and helmet. Known as the ‘Battlefield Cross' or the ‘Battle Cross', troops make this arrangement when they've lost a comrade on the battlefield. Surviving members of the squad will gather around their fallen comrade's armor and eulogize him through songs and prayers.
Quinn was also joined by State Representative Jim Sacia (R-Pecatonica); Mayor Scott Nason; and Marine Lt. Colonel Dennis Denny.
"Marine Lance CPL Andrew Patten was determined to serve our country as a Marine and in doing so, gave his last full measure of devotion to our democracy," Quinn said. "His sacrifice will never be forgotten."
Press Releases
No Data