East Central Reporter

On July 6th, State Representative Chris Miller joined families and friends to honor the life of Lieutenant Jared Southworth. The community of Oakland gathered for a dedication ceremony that named a section of State Highway 133, which runs through Oakland, “The 1st Lt. Jared W. Southworth Memorial Highway.”

Jared was a member of the Illinois National Guard and Army Rangers. He lost his life in Afghanistan from an improvised explosive device in 2009. More than 200 people attended to show their respect for Jared as he made the ultimate sacrifice serving his country. In addition to serving his country, Jared was also an Oakland police officer who served his community. The 1st Lt. Jared W. Southworth Memorial Highway is one way the community honors their hometown hero.

“I’ve known them all my life so it is a 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,” said Miller during the ceremony, adding, “And the sacrifice his parents made for raising such a fine young man that was willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice.”