An additional 34 bricks are engraved with the names of veterans at the Peoria County World Wars I and II Plaza outside the county courthouse.
Peoria County Auditor Jessica Thomas hosted a ceremony for their families on Wednesday.
"They fought for our freedoms to protest. They fought for our rights to vote. They fought for our freedoms to live and work in a safe country," she said. "I do want to honor that. So this was just a great opportunity to give them thanks."
Thomas inherited the role of tender of the memorial bricks from the late Steve Sonnemaker and Carol VanWinkle, who both previously served as county auditors.
As the daughter of a military veteran herself, Thomas said she understands the importance of recognizing the service of Peoria County's veterans.
The ceremony included the singing of the National Anthem by Justin Graham, a presenation of the flag and military honors by American Legion Peoria Post 2, and remarks by VanWinkle and Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.
Click here for more information on the memorial bricks.
Editor's Note: Jessica Thomas is a member of the WCBU Community Advisory Board.
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