SE Illinois News

A section of Illinois Route 146 will soon be renamed to honor the life, service and sacrifice of Illinois National Guard Sgt. Brian Romines, who was killed in action in Iraq in 2005.

In a May 23 Facebook post, state Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) announced a June 6 ceremony for the roadway's name change to the "Sergeant Brian Romines Memorial Highway" on the 17th anniversary of his passing.

"I was honored to partner with Senator Dale Fowler in advancing HJR 42 through the House and Senate and thank my colleagues for their unanimous support," Windhorst said in the post. "Although the bill memorializes the passing of a beloved son of Southern Illinois and fallen US service member, the renaming of Route 146 between Anna and Vienna as the Sergeant Brian Romines Memorial Highway is an important step we can take to honor the service and sacrifice of Sgt. Romines."

"It was an honor and privilege to work with Rep. Patrick Windhorst on HJR42," Fowler (R-Harrisburg) said in a recent news release from the representative's office. "Its passage ensures the recognition of one of America's fallen heroes."

Romines, 20; of Simpson, Ill.; was killed in action on June 6, 2005; an Illinois National Guard Facebook post said. Romines died near Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near the vehicle he was traveling in. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery Regiment, based in Milan, Ill.

The ceremony was coordinated by Windhorst, the City of Anna, Romines' mother Melinda Clary and the Illinois National Guard, the news release said. The event will take place at 3 p.m. on Monday at the Union County Fair Grandstand in Anna City Park, located at 185 Herman Wright Drive; Anna, IL 62906.