Illinois Veterans’ Home in Quincy unveils new tribute to Gulf War veterans

QUINCY (WGEM) - It was a special Veterans Day in Quincy as residents, families and local leaders gathered to honor American service members and unveil a brand-new tribute to Gulf War veterans.

Retired U.S. Army Maj. Jim Miller delivered the keynote message, along with a musical performance by the Quincy High School marching band and a wreath-laying ceremony.

Following the ceremony, the crowd moved outside for the official unveiling of the new Gulf War Memorial.

The monument stands near the Pvt. Joe Fifer statue, bridging a gap between the home’s Vietnam and Korean War memorials.

Organizers said the new addition ensures that the service and sacrifice of Gulf War, Global War on Terrorism and Operation Epic Fury veterans are permanently honored right here at home.

“I’m very proud. I’m proud to be here, I enjoy the facility, I live in the new facility which I’ve deemed the Taj Mahal of Quincy, Illinois, and it’s just the cat’s meow here,” said Robert Whitten, an Illinois Veterans’ Home resident.

“It was it seemed like yesterday but for people to come by and look at all these memorials and just think about everybody that served, especially all the people that didn’t make it back and reflect. It’s a beautiful ground. I highly recommend it,” said James Wingerter, who served in Operation Desert Storm.

“There was no other memorial here that covers the three conflicts and I thought why not put them all on one and, like I talked to the pastor, I hope this will be the last one we ever have to put up but I doubt it. It would be nice if it would be the last one,” said Roger Schwengel, the All Wars Museum curator at the Illinois Veterans’ Home.

Organizers timed the installation to coincide with America’s 250th birthday and the 25th anniversary of Patriot Day.