English: Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, First Army Commander Lt. Gen. Thomas S. James and Illinois National Guard Deputy Assistant Adjutant General - Army Brig. Gen. Mark Jackson listen to Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs Acting Director Linda Chapa LaVia speak during the Gold Star Mothers Luncheon The Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs Gold Star Mothers Luncheon gives senior civilian and military leaders a chance to thank Gold Star mothers for their service to our nation and its military. Governor JB Pritzker thanked the Gold Star Mothers and said he was humbled to have the opportunity to speak with them. In addition to the sacrifice their sons and daughters gave to their nation, many Gold Star mothers keep their Fallen Heroes memories alive and continue their service to the community and to the military, said Lt. Gen. Thomas S. James, the Commander of First Army and keynote speaker at the luncheon. The luncheon was held at the First Infantry Division Museum at Cantigny in Wheaton, Illinois, on Sunday, Sept. 29.