The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) will host a Remembrance Ceremony to honor and remember those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm 22 years ago.
The military services of the United States – to include active-duty, National Guard and Reserves -- joined with Coalition Forces to stop aggression and eject Iraqi forces from Kuwait, which then Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein had occupied in Aug. 1990. The Coalition air war phase began early on Jan. 17, 1991 and stripped away Iraqi air defense, command and control and logistical capabilities. The ground offensive operations – commonly termed the “100-Hour War” – began at 4 a.m., Feb 24, overwhelming Iraqi ground forces, capturing thousands, and ejecting the remainder out of Kuwait. The Coalition Forces, under the command of Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, unilaterally ceased offensive operations against the Iraqis at 8:01 a.m., Feb. 28.
WHO: Director Erica Borggren, IDVA – Host and Remarks
Select Desert Storm Veterans
Others to be Determined
WHAT: Remembrance Ceremony and Proclamation
WHEN: Thursday, 11 a.m., Feb. 28, 2013
WHERE: Illinois State Military Museum
1301 North MacArthur Blvd.
Springfield, IL 62702-2399
· Overflow parking is available to the rear of the museum.
· Guests are welcome to tour the museum before or after the ceremony. The museum depicts the rich history of the Illinois National Guard.
