© 2024 WNIJ and WNIU
Northern Public Radio
801 N 1st St.
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-9000
Northern Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

Illinois Lawmakers Take Break From Budget Talks, Honor Fallen Troops

BRIAN MACKEY / NPR ILLINOIS

Illinois legislators took time during session today to honor troops killed in war.

Senator Mike Hastings is a Democrat from Tinley Park, and also a combat veteran.

He says Memorial Day is a day to honor the fallen.

"But I also think that it's a day to remember what you learned from their lives. And it's an obligation amongst yourselves to share their memories, to ensure that they're not forgotten," Hastings said.

Hastings read aloud an excerpt from musings written by a major who was killed nine years ago in Iraq. It called for living with integrity, acting on principle and being brave -- and for taking responsibility for your actions. 

Hastings says it was an appropriate reading given Illinois' sour political climate. 

A political stalemate has gripped the state for the past year. Senators later had a moment of silence.

Amanda Vinicky moved to Chicago Tonight on WTTW-TV PBS in 2017.
Related Stories