George Cordier

"I was saddened to find out months after the fact about George's passing. I work in a radio and have come into contact with Hall of Famers, Gold Medal and Oscar winners, future Presidents and more. The biggest honor of my career though has been talking with the greatest heroes in the history of this planet, who ended a campaign of genocide before the Jewish people were on the verge of being moved to the history books and a madman was closing in on a new generation of weapons of mass destruction. Out of the ones I met, George Cordier was my favorite. George's disposition and sincere humility were unforgettable. He talked about being injured in the Solomons like he was someone caught in a storm by chance. Pretty amazing take considering he was called upon to perform a high wire act within easy reach of the gunfire of the Japanese forces, who weren't exactly known for mercy if you survived their bullets. This wounded war vet is everything we dream of the World War II veteran being (If you weren't into John Wayne swagger). He was a man who loved what he was fighting for, but didn't glorify or embrace the seemingly inevitable human tragedy that is war. When Rod Blagojevich referenced his name dozens of times when funds for the WWII Memorial were finally unfrozen and each time he called George Cord-ee-err instead of Core-deer, George never flinched. This honorable man didn't take himself seriously enough to be offended.

I was a bit player in the drive to get the Illinois WWII Veteran's Memorial built. More than anything, I simply arranged airtime for the effort and got them more coffee cans than they could handle but to be rewards were far greater than the minimal effort I provided. The greatest honor was meeting this humble hero, a great man of dignity, integrity and an unforgettable smile regardless of how he was feeling. It was an honor to be able to call him a friend, and like Abe Lincoln he now belongs to the ages. Thanks George!"

"Our deepest sympathy to all the Cordier family."

"Our deepest sympathy toAunt Dorothy and Family. We have wonderfulmemories of Uncle George and you. Love Tannyand Pat"

"To George's family,
Sending my deepest sympathy to the family on the death of George Cordier. We served together on the WWII Illinois Veterans Committee beginning in 2000. George was always a kind and courteous gentleman and a smiling and generous friend to all on the Commmittee. He was dedicated to the completion of the Memorial that would honor the veterans of Illinois in perpetuity. May he rest in the eternal peace and light of God.
Shirley Harris"

"We are saddened to hear of Georges passing. Remembering many happy hours spent with Geo & Dorothy on the dance floor. RIP Geo.
Don & Janet Jerome"