- Published: Monday, August 16, 2021, 9:51 AM
SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois National Guard will now be sufficiently honored in death thanks to a piece of legislation, sponsored by State Senator Michael E. Hastings, which was signed into law Sunday.
“Members of the Illinois National Guard are valued members of our armed forces and deserve to be memorialized as such,” Hastings said. “The presentation of a flag to next of kin upon a soldier’s death is a time honored tradition I am proud to extend to those who served their country and state.”
Under current law, members of the Illinois National Guard serving on federal duty or training status are to have a state flag presented to their next of kin upon their death, should they die while serving. Senate Bill 505 adds State Active Duty to this provision, ensuring that all who lose their lives in service of their state and country are properly memorialized.
This legislation is effective immediately.
