This morning, the Illinois Senate paused a moment to remember what Memorial Day truly represents. Several of us who served in the military were humbled to honor the young men and women who through the years left their homes and families to serve, and gave their lives for our great nation.

Gold Star mother Vonda Rodgers spoke briefly at the ceremony. Vonda’s son, Sgt. Joshua P. Rodgers, was killed in action April 27, 2017, in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. He was a team leader with C Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, out of Fort Benning, Georgia.

Mrs. Rodgers reminded us that her son and other soldiers fought and died for our freedom. Freedom, not just to do anything we want, but freedom to do what is right.