State Representative Dan Swanson of Alpha had legislation approved in the Illinois House Wednesday, March 20th honoring Armed Forces. The measure provides that the Secretary of State may issue Cold War license plates to Illinois residents that served in the Armed Forces between August 15, 1945, and January 1, 1992. During floor debate on the bill, Swanson talked about events that occurred during that time period and explained why these service men and women should be honored. “I’m sure many of you spoke (during) Veterans Day or Memorial Day,” Swanson said. “When you’ve spoken to veterans, they’ve often expressed: “Well, I was in, but never served in (a) war.” The following can be your response: “You served. And you served during the Cold War.” Swanson then pointed out that 22 million current, former, civilian and U.S. Government employees performed their duties. He elaborated that estimated totals of 400,000 people were exposed to toxins – 59% died of exposure; 3,500 U.S. Army personnel died of gunshots wounds, fragmentation, or bombings. He added that 36 pilots died, 123 are missing, and there are 269 civilians missing, and the U.S. Government has never revealed their fate. The bill was approved by a vote of 114-0 and now heads to the Senate for their consideration. The plates have no additional fee attached and will be designed by the Secretary of State.
