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In 1818, Illinois became America's 21st state, and over those 200 years, Illinoisans have been prominent in every war that the United States has been involved in.From the French and Indian War to the current War on Terror, Illinoisans, Illinois Militia, and National Guard units have been called upon to act. Throughout Illinois there are monuments dedicated to national figures as well as lesser known heroes. For example, Abraham Lincoln moved to Illinois as a young man, and during the Black Hawk Wars, he served in the Illinois Militia as a captain; on April 11, 1930, the State of Illinois dedicated a monument in Dixon in honor of his service. On Memorial Day and Veterans Day, ceremonies are held throughout Illinois at these monuments in honor of those who have served our state and nation.
Lorenzo A. Fiorentino is a retired major with more than 21 years of service in the Illinois National Guard and the US Army. He completed tours in Afghanistan and was part of relief operations in New Orleans after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He holds a master's degree in human services administration and has long been a student of history. Images that he has used have come from various archives, postcards, personal photographs, and friends' collections.
About the author
Lorenzo A. Fiorentino is a retired major with more than 21 years of service in the Illinois National Guard and the US Army. He completed tours in Afghanistan and was part of relief operations in New Orleans after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He holds a master's degree in human services administration and has long been a student of history. Images that he has used have come from various archives, postcards, personal photographs, and friends' collections.
