The state of Illinois is honoring 200 veterans who have gone above and beyond the call of duty on their achievements and on the extent to which their contributions have aided, benefited and provided inspiration to their community.

More than 100 veterans have already been nominated to be recognized as part of Illinois’ Bicentennial celebration, but organizers are looking for more nominations.

If you know of a Kane County hero who qualifies for this recognition, now is a good time to nominate them. The Governor’s Office of the Illinois Bicentennial and the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs will accept nominations through Aug. 31, 2018.

The original deadline of July 31 was extended this week to gain more nominations.

Jacob A. Zimmerman, superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Kane County, is hoping that Kane County residents will nominate more veterans from Kane County communities.

“We encourage you to nominate veterans by using the form and mailing it the Kane County Veterans Assistance Commission at 719 South Batavia Avenue in Geneva,” he said. “We will forward the forms on to the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and also will choose a veteran to be recognized monthly in Kane County.”

Nominees will be evaluated based on their achievements in dedicating their time and energy to build their communities and assist their fellow veterans and service members.

The honorees will be announced in September and will be featured guests at the Bicentennial Party Gala, which will be held at Chicago’s United Center.

Anyone can nominate a hero.

Written nominations can be sent to the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, 69 W. Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60601 or online by clicking on “Honor 200” at www.illinois.gov/veterans.

The Official Illinois Bicentennial Celebration began Dec. 3, 2017, with events in Springfield and Chicago. The celebration has continued with programs and events throughout 2018, ending with the Bicentennial Birthday Party on Dec. 3, 2018 at the United Center.

The HONOR 200 veterans will be recognized during the Birthday Gala.  For information on the Bicentennial and to find out how your community can participate go to www.illinois200.gov

ABOUT ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, a state agency is dedicated to empowering veterans, as well as their dependents and survivors, to thrive.

We do this by helping veterans navigate the complex veteran support system and assisting them in obtaining benefits; by providing long term health care for eligible veterans at our four Veterans’ Homes; and by working with other government agencies and non-profits to help veterans address education, mental health, housing, employment, and other challenges.

ABOUT ILLINOIS BICENTENNIAL

On Dec. 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the union. The Illinois Bicentennial is a yearlong celebration of what has been BORN, BUILT & GROWN in the state and a reminder of why we are #IllinoisProud.

Citizens are encouraged to participate in the celebration by visiting Illinois200.com, following Illinois 200 on Facebook and Twitter and using the hashtag #IllinoisProud.