Those from Central Illinois who made the ultimate sacrifice will be remembered throughout the holidays thanks to the local Gold Star Families and Central Illinois Regional Airport. Two 14 foot Christmas trees will remain in the baggage claim area throughout the holidays. The trees contain star ornaments with the names of over 400 Central Illinois veterans who died in the line of duty.
At the tree lighting ceremony Wednesday Night, Gold Star Family Member Jerome Maddox noted that the speaking the names of the lost loved ones is part of the healing that Gold Star families go through. “It brings back some emotions, but also the fact that people are out, and we have other Gold Star Families that know what we feel like, and know what we’re going through. As we speak our loved one’s names, we feel relieved”, said Maddox. Maddox lost his son in 2013.
Approximately 300 people attended the tree lighting and presentation that included the color guard from V. F. W. Post 635 Normal, Post 56 Bloomington, and V.F.W. 454, speeches from Frances Maddox and Sherry Fredrick. Both Maddox and Fredrick along with their families lit the tree.
The trees will be on display on the east wall of the baggage claim area at Central Illinois Regional Airport through January 1st.
