Memorial exhibit honors more than 300 Illinois soldiers who have been killed in line of duty since September 11, 2001

HIGHLAND, IL -  Former Governor Pat Quinn and Highland Mayor Kevin Hemann, will honor more than 300 Illinois servicemembers, many from Central and Southern Illinois, by opening the “Portrait of a Soldier” exhibit at the City of Highland Public Safety Building on Thursday, April 27, at 1:00pm.

The exhibit consists of replicas of graphite portraits of Illinois servicemembers who have been killed since September 11, 2001, drawn by artist Cameron Schilling of Mattoon and Donald Jeremiah of Streamwood.

“It’s the duty of us, the living, to take good care of those who have borne the battle,” said Governor Quinn. “The best way to honor the women and men who have given their lives to protect our democracy is to always remember – and never forget – their sacrifice.”

“Highland is proud to host this moving tribute to the men and women who have given their lives to keep us safe," said Mayor Hemann. "May this exhibit remind us all of the sacrifices made by those who have served.”

Cameron Schilling of Mattoon, Illinois began the project while he was a student at Eastern Illinois University, drawing a portrait of fellow Mattoon resident U.S. Army Specialist Charles Neely who lost his life in Iraq. Governor Quinn established Portrait of a Soldier in 2004 while he was Lieutenant Governor after seeing Schilling’s work, and has since taken the exhibit around the state. Schilling and Jeremiah have gifted the original portraits to the Gold Star families of individuals featured in the exhibition.

<WHEN: Thursday, April 27, 2023, 1:00 pm

WHERE: City of Highland Public Safety Building 12990 Troxler Ave Highland, IL 62249