State leaders honor Vets at the first Sunday of the Illinois State Fair

Posted on August 12, 2024
Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd (pictured). (Photo courtesy: Dave Dahl/File)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – The first Sunday of the Illinois State Fair is a day to honor veterans.

Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd (pictured), recently installed as commander of the Illinois National Guard, gave some insight into the lives of the few who serve: “Veterans have faced our fair share of some challenges.

From the moment we arrive at basic training, becoming far too familiar with pushups to arriving at our first duty station and becoming familiar with our leaderships, we quickly learn that the challenges don’t stop.”

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, daughter of a veteran, said ‘thank you’ is simply not enough. “Your patriotism and commitment to defending our nation, your strength and skill in the face of danger, your dedication to one another, that is the stuff of heroes.”

Also honored Sunday: Gold Star families.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].

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