Allison speaks at Hero Street Memorial Park Veterans Day Ceremony

SILVIS, Illinois – (Nov. 11, 2021) Col. Todd Allison, garrison commander, U.S. Army Garrison Rock Island Arsenal, was the keynote speaker Nov. 11 at the Hero Street Memorial Park Veterans Day Ceremony in Silvis, Illinois.

The young men and women from 2nd Street, now Hero Street, served the United States – Hero Street USA is only a block and a half long yet, in all wars and conflicts from World War II to present have served with pride and honor.

“For nearly a century, we have celebrated Veterans Day on the anniversary of the armistice that ended the fighting along the Western Front in World War I on Nov. 11, 1918,” said Allison. “This year, we also commemorate another event that happened as a result of World War I – the creation of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. This year marks the one-hundredth anniversary of the Tomb, a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice some of our veterans have made, and our nation’s debt to those who have served with honor.”

At Hero Street Memorial Park that service is on display year-round – it has been documented that as of the present day there have been more than 100 young men and women from 2nd Street who have given service to the United States armed forces. It had been researched and documented by the Department of Defense that (there is no other street of comparable size) that has had as many men and women render service to the armed forces then the 1½ block long street in Silvis; of these 100 or more military men and women, six of them were killed in action during WWII and two during the Korean War.

“The U.S. now has the largest population of young veterans since the Vietnam War,” said Allison. “We owe it to these men and women to make sure they transition from active duty careers with skills and experience to find meaningful employment.

“Regardless of the military branch in which our veterans have served – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard – this day belongs to them. Generations of patriots have dedicated themselves to the defense of our country to make us stronger and more resilient as a nation. Each year, we set this day aside all across the country to celebrate and pay tribute to America’s veterans for their devotion, patriotism, selfless service and sacrifice on behalf of us all. Our nation’s Veterans throughout our history kept us free, returned home and continued to serve our nation in a multitude of ways. Today, we say thanks to them all.”

The ceremony was officiated by Silvis First Ward alderman Larry York (First Sergeant U.S. Army retired), and also included speeches by Silvis native Andrea Handel (U.S. Marine Corps veteran) Greater Metro Area Housing Authority of Rock Island County, and Silvis Mayor Matt Carter. The invocation and benediction were delivered by retired U.S. Army Chaplain (Col.) Kenneth Lundeen, and was highlighted by a wreath laying conducted by Allison and Carter. The Quad Cities Chapter of the Mexican-American Veterans Association (M.A.V.A.) played taps and provided a 21-gun salute.