The Route 23 Bridge in Streator that spans the Vermilion River will be known as the “Vietnam Veteran Michael W. Ragusa Memorial Bridge.”
State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) sponsored the legislation (HJR 105). It was adopted by a unanimous vote of the Senate May 28.
Ragusa was born in Streator in 1948. He attended Streator High School, then served in the U.S. Marine Corps. While in the Marines, he was deployed to Vietnam. For 35 years, he worked for the Disabled American Veterans of Illinois.
He died in 2016 from an illness caused by exposure to Agent Orange while in Vietnam.
“It is appropriate that we designate the Route 23 Bridge in Streator in his honor and memory,” Rezin said. “Every time someone drives over the bridge, they will be reminded of Michael and his service and bravery to our country. It’s the least we can do to honor this American hero from Streator.”
The legislation was sponsored in the House by State Rep. Jerry Long (R-Streator). It was adopted by a unanimous vote of the House April 25.