DeKALB | Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn visited NIU Monday morning to unveil “Portrait of a Soldier,” a memorial showcasing 150 Illinois men and women who have died while serving in the military since Sept. 11.

The memorial will be on display to the public in the Holmes Student Center’s Gallery Lounge from April 30 to May 6.

The portraits were hand-drawn by Cameron Schilling, 24, of Mattoon, as a gift to the families who have lost loved ones in the Iraq war.

“This is a moving display,” said Eddie Williams, vice president and chief of operations for Finance and Facilities.

Williams, a Naval officer, said he took personal pride in seeing the memorial and the people who have made sacrifices.

“Regardless of your politics, these are our young men and our young women, we are proud of every one of them,” he said.

Quinn stressed the significance of the memorial and the impact those who have died in service has had on American citizens.

“We owe a permanent debt of gratitude to those who have served our country and wore the uniform of our country,” Quinn said.

DeKalb Mayor Frank Van Buer was very impressed by the portraits.

“I think these portraits are outstanding,” Van Buer said. “These young men and women are all over the state, they have been lost in this war.”

Ron Slavenas, of Genoa, attended the unveiling as a special guest in memorial of his son, Brian, who died while in service.

“I’m very impressed and very happy with the display of the portraits,” Slavenas said. “I am pleased about what the lieutenant governor has done, and am appreciative of that.”

One-hundred-sixty-two young men and women from Illinois have died since Sept. 11, Quinn said. Quinn has attended all the funerals.

“I think it is important for students and everyone to appreciate the efforts of young men and women who are often the very same age as students,” Quinn said. “They go forward as volunteers and answer the call of duty, and terrible danger.”