GALESBURG, Ill. (KWQC) – A portion of US Highway 150 that runs through Galesburg was dedicated Friday in honor or a Galesburg native who died serving in Iraq.

Sergeant First Class Kyle Wehrly of the Illinois Army National Guard gave his life in 2005.

Legislation dedicating the highway portion to be named the SFC Kyle Wehrly Memorial Highway was passed by the Illinois General Assembly earlier this year, a media release said. It was sponsored by Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) and Sen. Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island).

“SFC Wehrly served in my unit when I was battalion commander before the war. I learned from soldiers he served with in Iraq that he didn’t have to go on this convoy mission – he was to have the time off. But he volunteered to go, and he made the ultimate sacrifice. Not volunteering just wasn’t in his DNA. This memorial highway dedication; along a highway he traveled often; will serve as a reminder to future generations about those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we hold dear.”

“SFC Wehrly was a hero who sacrificed his life to protect us and our ideals. This dedication will help SFC Wehrly’s memory live on, reminding everyone who drives on this highway of his bravery and heroic actions.”

Friday’s ceremony included speeches from local dignitaries, Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard General Lenny Williams and an invocation by SFC Wehrly’s father Paster Peter Wehrly.

Members from the Illinois National Guard Military Funeral and Honors Team and the Illinois National Guard Band were also in attendance.