Memorials to Honor POW/MIAs By GEORGE H. RYAN, Lieutenant Governor

This summer, Illinois will honor the 98 military men who are Vietnam War-era POWs or MIAs through a special program — by erecting memorials at rest stops on Illinois highways.

I felt privileged to make the announcement about this undertaking in early June in DuQuoin, at the Roll Call '90 reunion of Illinois Veterans.

For each of the 98 servicemen from Illinois listed as unaccounted for prisoners or as missing in action during the Vietnam War, there will be a memorial plaque put in place at the rest area nearest his home town. The Illinois Department of Transportation will be placing the plaques alongside flag poles at the interstate highway rest areas.

As I indicated at the time that this program was being unveiled, I feel this is a way to remember each POW and MIA in a visible and solemn manner. More importantly, it is a very personal memorial program that will bring these very personal stories home to millions of travelers each year.

The intent is to remind travelers that these POWs and MIAs are not faceless; they are Illinoisans of many origins. They come from our small towns and our cities all across the state; from Oak Park, to Springfield to East St. Louis to Quincy to Danville to Rockford to Harrisburg . . . and still more. These are military men who served in Southeast Asia between 1965 and 1977, and whose fate has brought mystery, anxiety, and anguish. This is a way to pay tribute to these brave, selfless men.

I would like to add that in attendance at Roll Call 90 were veterans from wars dating back to World War I; hundreds of people were there for the weekend reunion. And in addition, Governor James Thompson proclaimed Saturday, June 9, to be Women Veterans Recognition Day.

As I have expressed before, from the nurses of World War I to the women who today fly giant cargo jets, more than 1 million have worn our country's uniform. Like the Vietnam Vet, like the POW and MIA, women vets, too, helped keep this nation strong and proud. Illinois is fortunate — and proud — to be the home state of those who have given so very much. •

Page 18 / Illinois Municipal Review / July 1990