Route 251 now honors SPC Brandon Rowe

A section of Route 251 is now the "Brandon Rowe Memorial Highway." Signs have been installed at both 251 and Bridge Street and 251 and Rockton Road.

Brandon Rowe, a graduate of Hononegah, lost his life in combat in March 2003 in Iraq.

At the ceremony today for the installation and celebration of these signs, Chuck Ingle, the VFW State Community Activities Director, Dept. Of Illinois, read a letter from Congressman Adam Kinzinger.

Congressman Kinzinger wrote, "On behalf of the 16th congressional district of Illinois, we honor his service, mourn his sacrifice, and pay tribute to Brandon Rowe. We thank his family and the VFW for organizing this ceremony today."

Ingle also read a heartfelt note from Brandon written only five days before his sacrifice on March 31, 2003.

In the letter, Brandon expressed how "thankful he is to have a loving family and friends to support us."

He also wrote,"I love you all. And miss everyone."

After reading these letters, a ribbon cutting celebrating the erection of the signs was held.

The VFW Post Honor Guard was assisted by Wendy Borowski, Gold Star Mother, in the cutting of the ribbon.

The VFW then invited all to a luncheon hosted at the VFW Post 2955 after the event.

Brandon's close high school friends spoke about how he was a "remarkable man with many dimensions to him. He was a comical, deep thinker with many virtues."

They also added, "Something as simple as water, he was stopping and showing gratitude."

Roscoe Village President Mark Szula said being a part of the event was a "humbling honor." but wanted to reiterate, "It's all about his family today."

SPC Brandon Rowe's legacy will be immortalized by the signs on 251 dedicated to his honor.

Our new reporter Alex Tsimonidis is a senior at Hononegah Community High School.