Remember sacrifices, express your thanks
March 19 marked the fifth anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On this anniversary of the Iraq war, I would like citizens of Illinois to take a moment to reflect on the service of our brave men and women who proudly serve in the Illinois Army and Air National Guard.
The soldiers and airmen of the Illinois National Guard are more vital to our national defense than ever before in our nation's history.
Since 9/11, more than 90,000 have served nationally. That number includes 9,000 Illinois Army members and more than 3,700 Illinois airmen who have answered the nation's call.
They have answered our nation's call and are sacrificing personal lives, civilian careers and the comforts of home in the name of duty.
They are serving with great distinction under harsh conditions and in harm's way.
We also can never forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Sixteen Illinois guardsmen and women have given their lives in this fight, one in Afghanistan and 15 in Iraq. We honor their memory and recognize the irreplaceable loss their families and loved ones have experienced.
On this fifth anniversary, I ask every citizen to take a moment to reflect upon and appreciate the contributions of the men and women of the Illinois National Guard to the freedoms and quality of life we enjoy in Illinois and across our nation.
Without their service defending against enemies both foreign and domestic, we would not be where we are today.
There are 13 million people in Illinois and 13,000 Illinois guardsmen, all of whom are volunteers.
They are one in a thousand -- citizens with the conviction of service to serve and defend.
Their commitment, call to duty and selfless service represent the highest ideals of our society.
While opinions on the war may vary, what cannot be called into question is the sense of duty, honor and selflessness each and every guardsman and woman embodies.
If you know an Illinois guardsman or the family of a guardsman, please remember to thank them for what they do. It might seem like a small gesture, but it always helps to know one's service is appreciated and supported by their fellow Illinoisans.
William L. Enyart
Major general (IL)
Adjutant general