Blagojevich made the Sunday announcement at the Illinois State Fair, where the day had been set aside to honor veterans.
The Illinois information service provided a video of Sunday's activities. The US Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon also performed Sunday.
Visitors attended a service that paid tribute to the men and women from Illinois, who have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"On a day like this when we're doing one of the most American of activities, enjoying the state fair; we have to think about the men and women who didn't make it home, the men and women who made sure we could be here today," Director of Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Tammy Duckworth said.
Veterans and their families received free admission to the fair.
