1 / 1Show Caption +Hide Caption –Merry Neff, left, Decatur, Illinois resident, and Julie Magana, also from Decatur, attend a Gold Star Mother's Day luncheon at Cantigny Park, September 29, 2019, in west suburban Wheaton, Illinois. Magana's son, U.S. Army Spc. Jesse Tilton, who served as a medic with the 82nd Airborne Division, was killed in action in Kandahar City, Afghanistan, during a night time attack at his base by Taliban suicide bombers on July 13th, 2010. Lt. Gen. Thomas S. James Jr, Commanding General, First U.S. Army, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, and a dozen dignitaries attended the luncheon at Cantigny Park. The luncheon honored the sacrifice of Gold Star Mothers and Families who have lost a loved one while serving in the U.S. military. An estimated 150 Gold Star Mothers and supporters attended the luncheon. Pritzker officially proclaimed September 29, 2019 as Gold Star Mother's Day in Illinois. Members of the Illinois Patriot Guard lined the walkway to the entrance of the LeJardin Room where the event was held.
(U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. David Lietz) (Photo Credit: Sgt. David Lietz)VIEW ORIGINAL
Social Sharing