State Sen. Sue Rezin is inviting veterans and constituents who wish to show their gratitude to our brave men and women, to join her in a tribute memorial Sunday, Oct. 1 at the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in Marseilles, honoring our veterans’ sacrifice.
Rezin was inspired to host the event in response to football players around the country choosing to kneel for the National Anthem, something she says is “disrespectful to our country and to the brave men and women who gave their lives and paid the ultimate sacrifice, so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have today.”
“Earlier this week, I visited the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in Marseilles,” Rezin said. “The walls there contain the names of 7,896 servicemen and women, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, who gave their lives defending our country. The names on those walls, like every memorial wall around the country, represent sacrifice and courage. The names stand for democracy and bravery.
“Before anyone thinks about kneeling for the National Anthem, I ask them to think about the names on that wall and others like it. I am very much disheartened by the actions of several players in the NFL and even student athletes across the country and in our state, who are deciding to kneel during our nation’s National Anthem. So on Sunday, I am inviting anyone who wishes to show their gratitude to our brave men and women to join me in tribute memorial, honoring their sacrifice.”
Rezin encourages people to arrive between 11:30 a.m. and noon to pay their respects at the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in Marseilles (200 Riverfront Dr., Marseilles, IL 61341). Starting at noon, the tribute memorial will begin. The event will include remarks from Sen. Rezin and local veterans. The Pledge of Allegiance will be said and the National Anthem will be sung.
“I hope people can join us and stand with us, hand over heart, for our veterans because they stood for us,” Rezin said. “Let’s honor our veterans with our thoughts and presence, and show them the respect they deserve.”