Will County Gazette

Illinois Senate Minority Leader John Curran led the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Illinois State Capitol on Thursday. The event marked the unveiling of the 2025 Memorial Day Wall of Remembrance, dedicated to honoring Illinois servicemembers who lost their lives serving the nation.

Senators Jason Plummer, Craig Wilcox, and Li Arellano Jr., all veterans, joined Curran in speaking at the ceremony held in the Capitol’s South Hall. Senator Curran emphasized the memorial's purpose: “The goal of this memorial is to honor the individual human being: the American, the Illinoisan, the man, the woman, the son, daughter, father, mother, brother, sister, spouse, or friend who answered the call of service with honor, courage, unselfishness, and who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.”

The digital Wall of Remembrance features a looping display of photos and stories from fallen service members across Illinois. It will be available for public viewing until June 6.

Senator Plummer expressed personal significance about the ceremony: “We must always be grateful for those who have served, are serving and will serve our great nation. This ceremony holds personal significance for me,” he said. “Every name and photo on this wall represents a story of sacrifice. Honoring them in this way ensures their bravery is never forgotten.”

Wilcox highlighted Memorial Day's importance beyond its role as a holiday weekend: “This wall is a tribute to the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation... It is a sacred time to pause, remember, and reflect on the cost of our freedom and the stories of courage, sacrifice, and devotion.”

Senator Arellano urged reflection during Memorial Day activities: “As we commemorate Memorial Day... Whether you’re spending time with family... I encourage you to take a quiet moment to reflect on the price of liberty. Freedom isn’t free.”

Since 2015, this annual event by the Senate Republican Caucus has ensured that Illinois’ fallen heroes are honored. The display is open during regular Capitol hours throughout its duration.

The public can also leave messages at the Remembrance Wall inside the Capitol as part of ongoing efforts to remember these heroes with dignity.