GALESBURG – A portion of U.S. Highway 150 running through Galesburg was dedicated today in honor of Sergeant First Class Kyle Wehrly, a Galesburg native and Illinois Army National Guard member who gave his life in Iraq in 2005.
The ceremony included remarks from local dignitaries, Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard General Lenny Williams, and an invocation by SFC Wehrly’s father, Pastor Peter Wehrly. Military honors were rendered by the Illinois Army National Guard Military Funeral and Honors Team and the Illinois National Guard Band.
Legislation dedicating the highway in honor of SFC Wehrly was adopted by the Illinois General Assembly earlier this year. It was sponsored by Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) and Sen. Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island).
“SFC Wehrly served in my unit when I was battalion commander before the war,” Swanson said. “I learned from soldiers he served with in Iraq that he didn’t have to go on this convoy mission – he was to have the time off. But he volunteered to go, and he made the ultimate sacrifice. Not volunteering just wasn’t in his DNA. This memorial highway dedication; along a highway he traveled often; will serve as a reminder to future generations about those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we hold dear.”
“SFC Wehrly was a hero who sacrificed his life to protect us and our ideals,” Halpin said. “This dedication will help SFC Wehrly’s memory live on, reminding everyone who drives on this highway of his bravery and heroic actions.”
71st District residents can find more news about the General Assembly and information about upcoming events on Rep. Swanson’s legislative website at repswanson.com.