PEORIA, Ill. – Peoria took time Monday to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The annual Memorial Day program was held outside the Gateway Building on the Peoria Riverfront.
The event featured two guest speakers. One of them was Brigadier General William “Robbie” Robertson, who spoke about those who died fighting for the principles and freedoms of democracy around the world.
“These Americans and millions more exemplify the concept of service before self, protecting what we hold dear to our hearts; life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We must never forgot and always preserve the ideas they fought and died for,” Robertson said.
The other guest speaker was The Honorable James Shadid. He talked about the lessons people can take away from the unity military members and their families have, in good times and bad.
“When we stand together, when we work together, when we support each other, when we unite around each other, we achieve so much more. And we are so much better as a people, and as a nation,” Shadid said.
The ceremony featured military music and patriotic songs from the Peoria Municipal Band.
Wreaths were laid by Fire Chief Shawn Sollberger and Police Chief Eric Echevarria for those who lost their lives fighting in America’s wars, as well as prisoners of war and those missing in action.
The ceremony concluded with a rifle salute and the playing of Taps.
