Community honors Coles County solder killed in the line of duty

OAKLAND, Ill. (WAND) — Honoring a fallen soldier.

Saturday more than 200 people came together to dedicated Illinois Route 133 through the town of Oakland.

The highway will now be known as "Lieutenant Jared Southworth Memorial Highway."

"Our soldiers come first. We need to honor our soldiers. It is going to be a really great day to honor a great service member of our country." said State Representative, Adam Niemerg.

Southworth was a member of the Illinois National Guard and Army Ranger.

He died in Afghanistan from an improvised explosive device in 2009.

Saturday, he was honored for his sacrifice for his country.

"I've known them all my life so it is an real privilege of mine to be able to stand and show respect to them and honor for the sacrifice that both Jared made for his country so that we can be free. And the sacrifice his parents made for raising such a fine young man that was willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice." said, State Representative, Chris Miller.

The dedication ceremony took place at the downtown square in Oakland.

Southworth was also awarded the purple heart and bronze star.