May 8, 2008

58^th District State Sen. Dave Luechtefeld (R-Okawville) is encouraging all Illinois Veterans, active duty personnel and friends and families of service members to participate in a special Veterans Legislative Day set for Thursday, May 22, in Springfield.

"I think that the Veterans Legislative Day will be a great opportunity for veterans around the state to interact with one another, in addition to meeting with their legislators and learning about issues important to them," said Sen. Luechtefeld.

The legislative day will provide briefings, updates from members of the Senate’s Veterans Affairs Committee and opportunities for veterans to meet with legislators. It is sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson (R-Greenville) and members of the Illinois State Senate Republican Caucus.

The event will begin with check-in from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Hall of Flags in the Howlett Building on the State Capitol Complex in Springfield. The day’s program will begin at 11 a.m. Lunch will be provided for all Veterans and their Guests who RSVP by May 13. The day will end with an informal reception in the afternoon, allowing time for Veterans to return home the same day if they choose.

Registration is being conducted online at www.vets.ilsenategop.org. For those who do not have internet access, reservations can be made by calling 217-782-1650. Additional information, including a map showing the location of the Howlett Building, as well as updates on the event, is also available at the website.

Although sponsored by the Republican Senators, Sen. Luechtefeld emphasized that the event will be strictly non-partisan.

"Republicans and Democrats alike have served their country honorably. This is our opportunity to recognize Veterans and active duty personnel for their service and to help them become involved in the legislative process," Luechtefeld said.