Quinn honors commitment to attend Hearts of Valor ball
What a difference a few months - and an impeachment - can make.
When Gov. Pat Quinn walked into a Rolling Meadows ballroom Saturday night for a fundraiser benefiting military troops, veterans and their families, he was greeted by loud applause, ecstatic cheers and even a few Marine Corps oorahs.
The accolades continued when he was honored at the fourth annual Hearts of Valor Ball for his ongoing efforts to help the state's military personnel.
Quinn had committed to attending the event, organized by the Elk Grove Village-based Heart of a Marine Foundation, while he was lieutenant governor and before he replaced Rod Blagojevich as the state's top administrator. Even though Quinn's schedule has filled up considerably since his January promotion, he said he wouldn't miss the charity gala.
"It's a wonderful cause, and being here tonight is important," Quinn said on his way to the ballroom at Meridian Banquets.
During his brief remarks, Quinn spoke fondly of Roy and Georgette Frank, founders of the foundation and parents of a Marine who was killed in Iraq in 2004.
He praised the Franks for their work on behalf of veterans. He also called the Franks and other Gold Star families "the best of the best."
Quinn also acknowledged that veterans returning from war need help finding jobs and getting medical proper treatment, a reminder that had special meaning for the many veterans and uniformed active-duty troops in the ballroom.
Quinn's appearance in Rolling Meadows came just days after two Illinois National Guard troops were killed in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Army soldiers with Illinois ties were killed in battle in Afghanistan two weeks ago.
Troops who put their lives at risk for their country "Is what democracy is all about," Quinn told the crowd.
As he left the fundraiser, Quinn said he was relieved by President Barack Obama's recent pledge to remove U.S. combat troops from Iraq by August 2010.
"I think that's a reasonable time to say we've done our job," Quinn said.