Politics & Government

Dillard Appointed to Veterans' Memorial Commission

Legislation sponsored by Dillard last year will discourage scrap businesses from accepting metal used at grave sites.

Editors note: This information was provided by the Illinois Senate Republican staff.

State Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) was appointed to the state’s Veterans’ Memorial Commission by Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont).
 
“Members of our Armed Forces should be honored and treated with respect in death, just as they were in life,” Dillard said. “I’m eager to do my part to ensure that all Illinois memorials established to honor our deceased service men and service women receive the long-term maintenance and care needed to preserve the monument.”
 
Last spring, Dillard sponsored legislation that sought to deter theft or defacement of a veteran’s grave stone.
 
“As the value of metal has increased, there has been an increase in the defacement of veterans’ graves, which are often decorated with copper and bronze ornamentation,” said Dillard, who explained
 
By imposing a hefty fine on businesses or recycling centers found to have purchased metal taken from a military grave stone, Dillard said he hopes Public Act 97-0384 will discourage businesses from accepting metal taken from memorials and, as a result, discourage the defacement of veterans’ graves. Previously, state and federal law prohibited the defacement or theft of veterans’ grave markers and monuments, but there were no penalties for businesses that accepted or recycled stolen headstones or headstone ornamentation.
 
“It’s hard to imagine someone would treat any grave stone with such disrespect, let alone a veterans’ memorial. I look forward to working with my colleagues to identify other ways we can further protect the integrity of Illinois’ veterans’ memorials,” said Dillard.
 
The Veterans’ Memorial Commission will hold its first meeting at 10 a.m. Feb. 7 at the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs in Springfield. Commission members are charged with presenting recommendations to Gov. Pat Quinn and members of the General Assembly by July 1, with suggestions on how to provide upkeep and care for the state’s veterans’ memorials.


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