The Illinois General Assembly recently passed two Senate Joint Resolutions to recognize two Effingham-area soldiers who gave their lives while serving their country. Both soldiers were honored this week during a ceremony dedicating two memorial overpasses in their names.

State Representative Adam Niemerg of Dieterich and State Representative Blaine Wilhour of Beecher City sponsored the resolutions in the Illinois House and spoke during this week's dedication ceremony.

According to Representative Niemerg, sometimes these ceremonies can not only be emotional, but also the most rewarding thing he believes he can do as a legislator.

Wilhour stated that, Chief Donaldson and Sergeant Sayne truly personify army values. Wilhour also said that they are just honored to be able to play the process in getting joint resolutions like these to go through the process of the general assembly. 

Senate Joint Resolution 61 designates the Fourth Street Overpass, that crosses Interstates 57 and 70 in Effingham, as the Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher Donaldson Memorial Overpass. 

Senate Joint Resolution 62 designates the Fayette Avenue Overpass, that crosses over Interstates 57 and 70, as the Sergeant Timothy Sayne Memorial Overpass.

Donaldson was killed on May 5th, 2006, when a CH-47 Chinook military helicopter crashed during combat operations in Afghanistan.

Sayne passed away on September 11th, 2011, in Afghanistan, from injuries he suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

The memorial overpasses will now serve as lasting reminders of Donaldson and Sayne, their military service, and the sacrifices they made for their country.

Pictured left is Chief Christopher Donaldson, pictured right is Sergeant Timothy Sayne:

More information can be found on the Illinois General Assembly online at www.ilga.gov.

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