The display, put together every year by the Senate Republican Caucus, was officially opened by Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady at a ceremony May 23 in the Rotunda of the Capitol. The Wall of Remembrance features a moving display of photos and stories of men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Visitors also have the opportunity to share their own stories and memories of loved ones and friends who have fallen in the line of duty, or to simply express gratitude by filling out notes to post on the Wall.

Also addressing attendees at the ceremony was Jim Frazier, a former Marine, contract Survivor Outreach Services Coordinator for the Department of the Army and Gold Star Dad, who stressed the importance of celebrating the memory of those who have served. His son Jacob Frazier, a Staff Sergeant with the Illinois National Guard, was killed in an ambush in south-central Afghanistan in 2003.

“There’s an old saying, ‘A person dies twice, once when life leaves their body, and again when their name is spoken for the last time.’ Remember them, speak their names,” said Frazier.

The Wall of Remembrance display is open to the public from May 23 to July 4, during normal business hours in the Capitol.