Route 6 from Mary Street in Spring Valley to Harrison Street in Peru would be known as the “Kaszynski Brothers Memorial Highway” under legislation sponsored by State Sen. Sue Rezin and passed by the Senate Nov. 9.
“To have six brothers all serve our country in World War II is not only a unique story, but it’s one that deserves special recognition,” Rezin said. “While we can never do enough to thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice, naming this road in honor of the Kaszynski brothers is a small token of our appreciation of them, as they fought so bravely for our country. Naming this stretch of Rt. 6 will also help future generations know about the Kaszynski brothers, their story, and what they meant to Peru, LaSalle County, and our country. This family and all our veterans deserve the utmost respect and honor.”
Five of the brothers served in the US Army during World War II: Bernard, Florian, Thaddeus, Alex Jr., and Richard. The other brother, Chester, served with the US Merchant Marine during World War II and with the US Army during the Korean War.
The Kaszynski brothers served all over the world during World War II in places such as the Panama Canal Zone, New Guinea, the Philippines, and Iceland.
Alex Jr. was the only brother who was seriously wounded in action in the Philippines and was awarded the Purple Heart.
Senate Joint Resolution 25 (SJR 25) now heads to the House for consideration.