Sangamon Sun

In a post on Facebook, State Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, marked Illinois Statehood Day, sharing his thoughts on the milestone.

In the statement, posted on Facebook, Butler noted that Illinois has been a key state in the Union for more than two centuries. After winning re-election last month, Butler announced on social media that he would be stepping down from the House of Representatives to work with the Illinois Railroad Association.

"On this Illinois Statehood Day, I urge all of us to learn more about our history, to take pride in what has made us a leader among states, to recommit ourselves to finding those answers which will drive this state forward positively, and to find ways to bring us together as Illinoisans,” he said in the post.

According to the Illinois General Assembly website, Dec. 3 is commemorated each year to mark the day Illinois became the 21st state, on Dec. 3, 1818. according to the website Within 10 days leading up to Dec. 3, the governor issues a proclamation marking the day and announcing official events held to mark Illinois' entry into statehood.

“Across all corners of this state--from Scales Mound to Mound City; from Paris to Warsaw--we have much to take pride in and we have much more that unites us than divides us,” Butler pointed out in the Facebook post. “We also have much, much work to do.”

Moreover, Butler noted that his family has lived in the state since its inception, and he doesn’t have any plans on leaving the Land of Lincoln.

“I want to make us better,” he said. “I want to work so future generations of Illinoisans have a brighter tomorrow. Just like my ancestors have done for me. State Sovereignty National Union That is our motto. Illinois is a strong state which has made our Union stronger. Let's keep it that way. Happy 204th birthday Illinois.”