Monday, May 25, 2020
Team IDHS,
I hope my message finds you all safe and well this Memorial Day weekend. I know you are all working hard to accomplish your agency's mission, and from one state agency to another, I want to say thank you for everything you are doing.
As you work to empower all people in Illinois to achieve their full potential, I hope you can see a connection between the work you are doing and the work of our veterans. Both involve valiant acts of selflessness in service to others. For all of us here, we are fortunate that our service has not asked of us our lives.
While Memorial Day has come to signify the start of summer, its true purpose is to honor and remember the brave men and women who died in service to our country. At 3pm on Memorial Day, I'm asking to you please join our National Moment of Remembrance with a minute of silence to reflect on the sacrifices of our fallen heroes. This tradition, and this holiday, means a lot to veterans across Illinois, including me.
To that end, I've recorded a special message this Memorial Day that I hope you can find the time to watch: Memorial Day Message from Director Linda Chapa LaVia
From me and all of us at the Department of Veterans' Affairs, thank you for taking the time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.
Yours in service,
Linda Chapa LaVia
Director, Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs
