Gov. Honors Servicemembers, Gold Star Families at Christmas Tree Lighting

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CHICAGO (12/01/2011)(readMedia)-- More than 25 members from the Illinois Army National Guard's, Army Reserves and Marine Corps were honored by Gov. Pat Quinn at the Chicago Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago, Dec. 1.

Gold Star Families hung ornaments on the Christmas tree in memory of their loved ones.

Students and parents from LaSalle II Magnet School choir performed during the ceremony and presented handmade holiday cards to Quinn. The governor will personally deliver the cards to servicemembers at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany later this year.

"We want our servicemembers who are spending the holidays away from home to know how much the people of Illinois care and appreciate their courage and selflessness," said Quinn. "This holiday season is the perfect time to show our support and give thanks for our veterans and servicemembers."

Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Director Erica Borggren joined the governor at the tree lighting ceremony.

"During the holidays, it is especially important to remember those who sacrifice their all to protect us," said Borggren. "As we gather with our loved ones to celebrate the holiday season, we encourage the people of Illinois to keep our servicemembers in their thoughts and prayers."

PHOTO 1: U.S Army photo by Capt. Dustin Cammack, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs/ Members of the Illinois Army National Guard, Army Reserves and Marine Corps along with Gold Star Families were honored by Gov. Pat Quinn during the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago, Dec. 1.

PHOTO 2: U.S Army photo by Capt. Dustin Cammack, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs/ Members of the Gold Star Families hung ornaments on the tree in memory of their loved ones during the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago, Dec. 1.

PHOTO 3: U.S Army photo by Capt. Dustin Cammack, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs/ Members of the Illinois Army National Guard and Army Reserves pose with students from LaSalle II Magnet School during the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago, Dec. 1.

PHOTO 4: U.S Army photo by Capt. Dustin Cammack, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs/ Members of the Illinois Army National Guard, Army Reserves and Marine Corps along with Gold Star Families were honored by Gov. Pat Quinn at the Chicago Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 1, at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago. Students and parents from LaSalle II Magnet School choir performed during the ceremony and presented hand-made holiday cards to Quinn. The governor will deliver the cards to service members at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany later this year.