On Wednesday in Silvis, a re-dedication ceremony was held for Hero Street and the ‘Hero Street 8.’
At the monument and Memorial Park, several speakers talked about new stars that have replaced the old stars painted on the street. The new, steel stars are installed in concrete at each of the eight veterans' homes. They are paired with the monument, which recognizes the veterans who lived on Hero Street. The gold stars were laser cut and engraved with the soldiers' names and military station.
Kimberly Matthies, from the Military Employee Resource Group at John Deere, came up with the idea to replace the faded street stars as a maintenance solution.
"You know just how important it is to me, personally, to pay homage to these folks who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Our veterans are our most valuable asset that we have in this country."
The Hero Street Eight served and died during World War Two and the Korean War. All were of Hispanic descent with large families, and some of their relatives have become veterans as well.
The speakers at the re-dedication ceremony included Silvis officials, John Deere employees, and representatives of the Hispanic Latino Leadership Council.
