About the Brandon Rowe Memorial Highway dedication
The ceremony will be at First National Bank in Roscoe on Saturday morning.
A dedication ceremony will be held Saturday, March 19, at 11:00 a.m. honoring the sacrifice of SPC Brandon Rowe, a former Roscoe resident who lost his life in the war in Iraq. A section of Highway 251 will officially become Brandon Rowe Memorial Highway.
Brandon Rowe grew up in Roscoe and was a 2000 graduate of Hononegah Community High School. Following his graduation, Brandon enlisted in the United States Army and held the rank of Specialist (SPC). He was part of C Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, in the 101st Airborne Division.
Brandon was killed in action in Iraq on March 31, 2003.
Following his death, Brandon’s mother Wendy Borowski and family members requested that a portion of Highway 251 in Roscoe be dedicated to his memory.
The VFW Post contacted Illinois State Representative Joe Sosnowski and former Representative John Cabello. “The representatives did a lot to make things happen,” veteran Bill Graves said.
The request is now a reality. Signs at Highway 251, between Bridge St. and at Rockton Rd. will officially be named Brandon Rowe Memorial Highway. A dedication ceremony is being held in the parking lot at First National Bank, 5360 Bridge St. at Rt.251, on Saturday, March 19, beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Roscoe VFW 2955 is hosting the event.
In the words of Commander Ruben Hernandez: “No duty is more urgent than of returning thanks. May we never forget our fallen comrade.”
Local and state dignitaries will be on hand. VFW Post 2955 Commander Ruben Hernandez, Chaplain Dave Draeger and veteran Ed Suchoski will speak. Illinois VFW Community Activities Chairman Chuck Ingle will read the last letter Brandon wrote to his mother before his death.
Veteran Bill Graves is the program emcee.
Jody Beach opens the program with the National Anthem, followed by music from the Rockford Christian Fellowship Brass Band and Lucas Greenlee playing the bagpipes.
A shuttle bus to and from the VFW Post, 11385 2nd St. will be available. A light lunch will follow the program.
