Governor Pat Quinn calls on Illinois citizens to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice

ROCHELLE - June 20, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn unveiled the Portrait of a Soldier memorial exhibition in the hangar of Rochelle Municipal Airport. The memorial exhibition, which has been viewed by thousands of people in more than 45 cities and towns throughout Illinois, is a series of hand-drawn portraits of more than 220 Illinois men and women who have died in service to our country since September 11, 2001.

The portraits will be on display from Saturday, June 20, from 11:45 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday, June 21, from 7:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

The Portrait of a Soldier event is being held in conjunction with the 2009 Military Vehicle Preservation Association’s Convoy making a stop in Rochelle on June 20. The 90th Anniversary Convoy across the United States is taking place along the famed Lincoln Highway to celebrate the 200th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln.

“The Portrait of a Soldier memorial is a moving tribute to the men and women who have given their last full measure of devotion to our democracy,” Quinn said. “I encourage everyone to come see the Portrait of a Soldier tribute and honor the memory of these fallen heroes.”

Quinn was joined by members of Gold Star families including: Debbie and Bill Wolfe, parents of Marine LCPL Anthony Mihalo (Naperville); Wendy and Rick Borowski, mother and stepfather of Army SPC Brandon Rowe (Roscoe); Phil Martini, father of Marine LCPL Phillip Martini (Lansing); Jim Frazier, father of Air Force SSG Jacob Frazier (St. Charles); Dan and Nancy Hollinsaid, parents of Army SSG Lincoln Hollinsaid (Malden); and Ron and Christi Slavenas, father and stepmother of Army 1LT Brian Slavenas (Genoa).

Artist Cameron Shilling, 25, of Mattoon, drew the first portrait in August 2004, after Army Spc. Charles Neeley, also of Mattoon, was killed in Iraq. Schilling gave the sketch to Spc. Neeley’s parents to convey his sympathy for their loss. In October 2005, while a student at Eastern Illinois University, Schilling decided to draw a portrait of every Illinois servicemember who has fallen during the Global War on Terror.

Governor Quinn was also joined by U.S. Representative Don Manzullo (R-16th District); State Sen. Bradley Burzynski (R-Sycamore); State Rep. Robert Pritchard (R-Sycamore); Rochelle Mayor Chet Olson; Rochelle City Manager Ken Alberts; and members of the Rochelle City Council.