![](https://cdn.socast.io/6616/sites/389/2019/02/28133239/Desert.jpg)
By Dave Dahl
SPRINGFIELD – 28 years after the Desert Storm ceasefire, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs honored the Illinoisans who served — and the eighteen who died — during an annual ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda.
The main speaker was Lance Zedric, a Gulf War era veteran and author whose books include Silent Warriors of World War II.
“If, by chance, these eighteen men could be among us today,” asked Zedric, “how might they feel about this proceeding? Would they be embarrassed about the fuss being made over them? Or would they simply smile and nod knowingly among themselves?”
Zedric also quoted George Washington that men’s desire to serve is proportional to the appreciation they receive from those at home.
Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]