Hello Stephanie,

As we approach Memorial Day, let us pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. This day, observed since 1868, serves as a poignant reminder of the price of liberty and the selfless service of our military personnel. May the spirit of Memorial Day inspire us to live with gratitude and compassion, ever mindful of the sacrifices made to protect our way of life.

In addition, in recognition of Military Appreciation Month, I encourage everyone to reflect on the courage and dedication of our servicemen and women. Let their legacy of bravery and sacrifice guide us as we strive to uphold the values they fought to defend.

Below is a list of local Memorial Day ceremonies where we can come together as a community to pay our respects and honor their memory.

Aurora Parade

10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 27, 2024, in downtown Aurora | more information

Oswego Parade

10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 27, 2024, Old Traughber to Polk St. to Jackson St. to Jefferson St. crossing Route 34 to Main St., passing the Veterans Memorial to the cemetery for the Memorial Service | more information

Naperville Parade

10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 27, 2024, in downtown Naperville | more information

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!

P.S. Read all the way to the bottom to participate in this week's Trivia Challenge!

The Roosevelt - Aurora American Legion Post 84 annually organizes cemetery visitations to honor and remember the veterans from our community who have passed away. This tradition involves members of the Post visiting four designated cemeteries, where they pay their respects through various commemorative activities. The community is warmly invited to join in these visitations, offering a way for people to come together to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices made by veterans.

The program is planned each year, with Post 84 members gathering at specific locations to commence the visitations. These cemeteries have been chosen due to their significance to the community and the number of veterans laid to rest within them. The visitation is not only an act of remembrance but also serves as an educational opportunity, highlighting the importance of honoring those who have served.

The Roosevelt - Aurora American Legion Post 84 extends an open invitation to the community members to participate in this solemn yet significant event. By attending, individuals have the chance to pay their respects, learn more about the contributions of these veterans, and connect with others who hold a deep respect for the sacrifices made for their country.

• 12:00 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery located at 675 U.S. 30, Aurora

• 12:40 p.m. at Annunciation Cemetery located at 1820 Church Road, Aurora

• 1:15 p.m. at St. Michael's Cemetery located 1035 Aurora, Ave, Aurora, IL (Route 25 at Mitchell Road, Aurora, IL)

• 2:00 p.m. at River Hills Memorial Park Cemetery located at 1650 S. River, Batavia, IL

Last week, the Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), the Illinois AFL-CIO and other union partners held the first-ever Tradeswomen Take Over Springfield advocacy day at the Illinois State Capitol last week. Myself and other lawmakers joined them to commemorate this historic milestone.

This event was organized to highlight the skill and dedication of union tradespeople in Illinois, while also bringing attention to the need for a diverse and inclusive workforce to meet the demands of a growing state economy. Joined by my fellow lawmakers, labor leaders and union members launched the day with a press conference advocating for the legislative support and workforce investments necessary to expand access to trade careers for women and other underrepresented workers.

On Wednesday, May 22, we held the 2024 Fallen Soldiers Memorial Ceremony honoring the bravery and sacrifice of Illinois soldiers who gave their lives in the line of duty.

Thank you to everybody who contributed to this moving ceremony, including Chaplain Mike Keppler of the Illinois State Police, Brigadier General Dan McDonough of the Illinois National Guard, the Color Guard Team from Lincoln's ChalleNGe Academy in Rantoul, IL, and both Representatives Ness and Chung who performed Amazing Grace.

A full video of the ceremony can be viewed HERE

Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital held a Women Veterans Celebration April 27 at Kankakee Community College to offer resources and promote camaraderie among women Veterans.

"I am honored to have been the keynote speaker at the Celebrating Women Veterans event held at Kankakee Community College and share my military story,” said Marine Corps Veterans and Illinois State Representative Stephanie Kifowit. “It was an honor to address my fellow women Veterans and share insights on the challenges and triumphs we face.” 

Read more here

Last week we honored the dedication and sacrifice of our law enforcement officers during National Police Week. Thank you always for your unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe.

Our annual shred and recycle day will be held on Saturday, July 13th!

Q: What do the four stars on the flag of Chicago represent?

O Chicago Fire, World’s Columbian Exposition, Century of Progress Exposition, Navy Pier

O Chicago Fire, Century of Progress Exposition, Lollapalooza, Navy Pier Ferris Wheel

O Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

O Chicago Fire, World’s Columbian Exposition, Century of Progress Exposition, Fort Dearborn

O The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, The Art Institute

O There are only three stars.

I continue to host Monday Morning Coffee live via Facebook at 9:00am-10:00am where you can post your comments and questions.

I realize not everyone has Facebook. The good news is that you can still participate. If you would like to join us on Monday mornings, you can join in via ZOOM! Once connected via ZOOM, you'll be able to interact just as if you were on Facebook. Don't worry you will not be on live - your video feed and mic will be muted.

The ZOOM link will be emailed to everyone separately for Monday morning participation.

If you would like to join us, please email Nick@ildistrict84.com or call the

office at 630.585.1308

Watch the most recent Coffee Chat on Facebook!

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