Governor Pat Quinn shakes hands with those holding U.S. Flags at the doorway leading to the visitation for Corporal Casey Hills. The Governor flew from Chicago to have a chance to visit with Hills' family. WJBDradio.com staff photo by Bruce Kropp.

Governor Pat Quinn was in Salem Friday afternoon to attend the visitation of Corporal Casey Hills who lost his life while on a convoy mission in Iraq last month. Quinn began going to the funerals of each service member who lost their life while serving our country as Lieutenant Governor and is now continuing the practice as Governor.

"I think its important for someone from our state who's elected by all the people bear witness  to true heroism.  It's very important, I think, that every soldier who has given his life for our country who comes from the Land of Lincoln be honored on the day we bury that soldier, but also, forever.  It's our duty, I think, of the living to tell the family and all those who have known this wonderful All-American hero that we will not forget his sacrifice," Quinn said.

Quinn pointed to Hills death while volunteering to take the place of another soldier so he could take a test to become a U.S. Citizen.

"I think that's about the highest thing a human being can do for another.  Casey only served on this Earth for twenty-three years.  I'm sure that God--who is with him today--has welcomed him to Heaven and we'll always honor Casey Hills as someone who believes in service to others," Quinn said.

A steady flow of people paying respects to the family flowed through the church yesterday afternoon and evening. Salem Police Chief Ron Campo says everyone was respectful. Funeral services for Corporal Casey Hills were held Saturday morning.

Governor Pat Quinn flew into the Salem Airport to attend the visitation of Corporal Casey Hills. WJBDradio.com staff photo by Bruce Kropp.