Quincy Reporter

State Rep. Randy Frese (R-Quincy) recently called for remembrance and recognition of service members who lost their lives.

"This Memorial Day, take a moment to remember and honor the service members who have given their lives so that we can be free," he said. "Let us never forget their sacrifice, courage, and devotion to our nation. God bless our fallen heroes."

Originally, Memorial Day was called Decoration Day, according to History.com. The first Decoration Day was held on May 30, 1868, and occurred a few years after the conclusion of the Civil War. 

The holiday was created by the proclamation of General John Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic. It was intended to honor those that died “in defense of their country during the late rebellion," History.com noted.

In addition to his call for remembrance on Memorial Day, Frese took the opportunity to warn his constituents to be aware of COVID testing scams, which are currently running rampant throughout Illinois. 

"COVID sites are considered to be businesses and not regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health," according to Galesburg Reporter. "Experts advise it's best to get tested at a site affiliated with a known entity, like a pharmacy, a doctor's office, or the Illinois Department of Public Health."

Frese also issued fresh criticism of the recent budget passed by Democrats in the state and signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D-Ill.). 

"Once again, we heard a budget plan based on a rosy picture of our state's finances that isn't really honest," Frese said, according to Quincy Reporter. "The governor failed to mention that slight improvements in our financial picture are temporary. They are the result of a massive federal bailout and increased taxpayer burdens due to rising inflation — not responsible financial policies from his administration."