A new Route 89 bridge connecting Bureau and Putnam counties and spanning the Illinois River would be named “The Illinois Valley Veterans Memorial Bridge,” under a resolution (HJR 142) sponsored by State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Peru).
“Illinois veterans are very special and deserve recognition, respect, and admiration for their dedication to protecting our state, nation and freedom around the world,” Rezin said. “This is a small token of our appreciation as we can never do enough to honor those who fought so bravely for the freedoms we enjoy today. The veterans we honor paid the ultimate price and it is important that their sacrifices are never forgotten.”
Rezin credits the Spring Valley VFW for the suggestion of naming the new bridge in honor of Illinois veterans.
“I want to thank the Spring Valley VFW for this great idea and for their continued commitment to honoring and helping our veterans today,” Rezin said. “All our veterans are true American heroes, and they embody what our country and state stands for: freedom, democracy, integrity, and compassion.”
The resolution has already passed the House and Rezin says she is hopeful the Senate will pass it when lawmakers return to Springfield in November.
Construction began this year on replacing the current Route 89 bridge.