By Stephanie Kifowit,
Illinois State representative
June 25 marked the 75th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. Often called the “Forgotten War,” it is anything but forgotten by those who served, their families, and those of us who remain grateful for their sacrifice. We owe an enduring debt of gratitude to the brave men and women who answered our nation’s call, defended freedom, and helped preserve the liberties we enjoy today. As we gather with family and friends this summer and prepare to celebrate Independence Day, it’s especially important to remember those whose service and sacrifice made those moments possible.
As a veteran, commemorations like this hold special meaning for me. They serve as a reminder of the courage, selflessness, and commitment of those who wore our nation’s uniform, and of our responsibility to ensure their service is never forgotten.
Like many of you, I’ve been taking advantage of the summer season. Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to New York with my daughter to attend the FIFA World Cup. While the matches were exciting, what I’ll remember most is the quality time we spent together. Those shared experiences and memories are truly priceless.
Back home, it was a pleasure to join community leaders, local officials, and business partners for the grand opening of the new Hollywood Casino Aurora. Projects like this represent more than a new entertainment destination—they are an investment in Aurora’s future. The new casino will create jobs, generate additional economic activity, attract visitors, and support continued economic development throughout our region. Congratulations to everyone whose vision and hard work made this exciting project a reality. I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community for years to come.
As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, I hope you’ll take time to enjoy the parades, fireworks, cookouts, and family gatherings that make this holiday so special. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our nation’s history, reflect on the freedoms we cherish, and remember the men and women of our Armed Forces who have protected those freedoms throughout our history.
As always, my office is here to assist you with State services, veterans’ benefits, programs for seniors and families, housing assistance, and any questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 630-585-1308.