Veterans (Memorials & Recognition)

This Senate resolution congratulates the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County on its 100th anniversary. The bill does not change any laws or policies; it is a ceremonial measure that formally recognizes the commission's century of service. Copies of the resolution will be presented to the commission and its superintendent as a symbol of respect. The resolution acknowledges the commission's long history of providing support to veterans and their families through various assistance programs.

This Senate Resolution honors Dan J. Male, a North Little Rock native who passed away on January 31, 2026, and extends condolences to his surviving family members. The document acknowledges his service in the U.S. Air Force, his 35-year career at Caterpillar, and his dedication to veterans through the Disabled American Veterans organization. It formally records the Senate's grief and directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to Male's family as a gesture of sympathy.

This Senate Resolution honors the memory of James Eugene Martindale, a resident of Donnellson, Iowa, who passed away on January 3, 2026. The bill formally expresses the Illinois Senate's condolences to his family and friends, noting his service in the U.S. Army and his personal interests such as karaoke and antique collecting. A copy of the resolution will be presented to his family as a gesture of sympathy.

This Senate resolution honors Dale R. Young of Brimfield, who passed away on February 7, 2026, by expressing the Illinois Senate's condolences to his family and friends. The document outlines Young's life, including his career in semi-trailer sales, his military service, and his extensive family, while formally acknowledging his death. It directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to Young's family as a gesture of sympathy.

This Senate Resolution honors the life of William Jean "Bill" Meriwether Jr., who passed away on January 5, 2026, and expresses the Illinois Senate's condolences to his family. The document outlines his personal history, including his service in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict, his farming career, and his involvement in various community and fraternal organizations. It also notes his surviving family members and directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to his family as a gesture of sympathy.

This bill is a House Resolution that congratulates the Bushnell Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #1422 on its 100th anniversary of serving veterans and the community in Bushnell, Illinois. The resolution formally recognizes the post's long history of hosting events, supporting local veterans, and contributing to community projects like the donation of Memorial Park. It directs that copies of the resolution be presented to the post's leadership as a gesture of respect. This measure is ceremonial and does not create new laws or funding; it serves to honor the organization's milestone.

Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Provides that the Governor shall annually designate by official proclamation the third Friday of September in each year as POW/MIA Recognition Day (rather than the third Friday of September in each year is designated as POW/MIA Recognition Day) to be observed in honor and remembrance of the men and women who, as POWs, have suffered captivity in foreign countries while in active service with the United States armed forces or who, as MIAs, have been recognized as missing in action in a time of war or during a period of hostilities (rather than who were recognized as POWs or MIAs in a time of war or during a period of hostilities). Provides that the Governor shall request, in the Governor's annual designation by official proclamation, that some portion of the third Friday of September be used for solemn contemplation on the plight of members of the United States armed forces who have been held prisoners of war and members of the United States armed forces who have been missing in action and the resolve of families and friends who continue to seek the fullest possible accounting for missing loved ones. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Act. Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a statewide military history initiative aimed at preserving Illinois' war and veterans' memorials, monuments, plaques, and historic sites. Creates the Illinois War and Veterans Memorials and Monuments Fund as a special fund in the State treasury to support the preservation and restoration of outdoor memorials, monuments, plaques, and historic sites located within the State that highlight the service and sacrifice of Illinois' military veterans. Provides that, subject to appropriation, moneys in the Fund shall be expended to provide grants to local governments, historic societies, and veterans' organizations seeking to restore, repair, or maintain memorials, monuments, plaques, or historic sites within their communities. Requires the Department to establish criteria on how to identify war and veterans' memorials, monuments, plaques, and historic sites that are in need of preservation or restoration or other forms of aid, and match them with grants and other sources of funding based on the scope of the preservation or restoration project and on the grant applicant's ability to carry out and complete the project. Requires the Department to create and maintain a digital archive of Illinois veterans' records, letters, and oral histories and make such materials readily accessible to the general public and local schools. Requires the Department to partner with State colleges and universities to collect and preserve personal documents, photos, and interviews with Illinois veterans. Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Designates April 9 of each year as Illinois Veterans' Legacy Day to be observed throughout the State as a day to recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of Illinois' military veterans with suitable activities designed to teach and preserve Illinois' military history and build social connections between Illinois' veterans population and school-aged youth. Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to prepare and make available to all school boards teaching modules on Illinois' military history for public school students enrolled in grades 6 through 12.

Recognizes the lasting and significant contributions of Brigadier General Paul W. Tibbets Jr. to the United States Air Force and the State of Illinois.

Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Act. Requires all service officers and any supervisors, including the field manager, within the field division to be currently serving reservists or national guardsmen in good standing or honorably discharged veterans from service in the Armed Forces of the United States, active or reserve component. Removes a requirement that service officers and supervisors serve during a time of hostilities with a foreign country and meet one or more listed conditions.