Illinois State Capitol
Illinois State Capitol
Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) helped dedicate a portion of Illinois Route 29 to a Navy SEAL who was the first American combat death in 2017.
SJR0035 designates Route 29 inside the city limits of Chillicothe as "Senior Chief Petty Officer William 'Ryan' Owens Memorial Highway,” which according to Spain, was made possible by Sens. Chuck Weaver (R-Peoria) and David Koehler (D-Peoria) when Spain presented the resolution March 6 in the House.
“As you know this is one of the most important things we do in this chamber – to really give respect and appreciation to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country,” Spain said of Owens, who grew up in the 73rd House District and attended Illinois Valley Central High School.
Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) at the March 6 House Floor Debate presenting SJR0035.
Spain said ever since Owens was a freshman in high school, he wanted to be a Navy SEAL.
“He wanted to serve his country and last year he made the ultimate sacrifice by doing just that,” Spain said, adding he was killed in a night raid fighting al-Qaida on the elite counter-terrorism unit SEAL Team Six.
SJR passed unanimously with 108 votes.
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