SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to honor our state’s fallen heroes, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is championing a measure to honor their next of kin with the presentation of an Illinois flag. 

“Our country would not be where it is today without the sacrifice of our brave men and women in uniform,” Turner said. “This measure will help show the respect we have for the families that pay the ultimate sacrifice.”

Under Turner’s measure, if an Illinois resident dies while on State Active Duty or Federal Active Duty, their next of kin would be presented the Illinois state flag by military personnel.

“The families of fallen heroes are presented with our nation’s flag as a token of gratitude and condolences from a grateful nation,” Turner said. “I believe that they should also be presented our state flag as a symbol of our esteemed gratitude.”

SB 3459 passed the Senate and now heads to the House for further consideration.