Stretch of Route 251 could soon be called”Witczak Brothers Memorial Highway”

Route 251 between Tonica and Mendota won’t just be Route 251 anymore if State Senator Sue Rezin gets her way.

The Republican is pushing a resolution naming Route 251 between Tonica and Mendota the “Witczak Brothers Memorial Highway.” Seven brothers from the Illinois Valley family served in either World War II or the Korean War. Rezin says the renaming of the state road is the least that can be done to thank the Witczak’s for their service.

Seven sons of Thomas and Clara served in different capacities of the military. Rezin read a letter on the Senate floor from the lone surviving brother Anthony Witczak of Peru.

Anthony said “this is a great honor to have this road named after my family. My brothers, wherever they are, would really appreciate this.” The seven Witczak brothers served a combined 18 years in the military.