Sangamon Sun

State Rep. Sandy Hamilton (R-Springfield) wants to make sure the families of Illinois service men and women who died in the line of duty are properly shown appreciation for their sacrifices.

Hamilton sponsored legislation, known as House Resolution 692, that designated April 5 as Gold Star Spouses Day in Illinois.

"As most of you know the Gold Star Mission is a nonprofit organization that honors and supports Gold Star families by preserving the memory of our fallen heroes through service to others in need," Hamilton said on the House Floor in early April. "This was brought to me by a constituent who is retired from the U.S. Army and the Illinois Army National Guard. I ask you to join me to express our gratitude to Illinois Gold Star spouses for the sacrifices they have made on behalf of our nation. Please join me in declaring April 5, 2022 Gold Star Spouses Day."

Hamilton first introduced the resolution on Feb. 25. According to the Illinois General Assembly website, it was adopted on April 6. 

The resolution received support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, and was co-sponsored by Reps. Daniel Swanson (R-Alpha), Stephanie Kifowit (D-Aurora), Tim Butler (R-Springfield), Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur), Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee), Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg), Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg), Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona), Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City), Mark Luft (R-Pekin), Frances Ann Hurley (D-Chicago), Michael Kelly (D-Chicago), Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar (D-Chicago), Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) and Amy Grant (R-Wheaton).

House Resolution 692 aims to honor the spouses of those who have died in military service.