SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings supported a resolution to honor the United States Marine Corps through renaming a portion of Interstate Route 80. Hastings, who served as a U.S. Army officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom, rose in support of the resolution alongside other veteran legislators.
“It is important to acknowledge that freedom is never free,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “We owe a lasting debt of gratitude to the brave U.S. Marines who serve our nation with courage and honor. This highway, named after the motto of the Marine Corps, represents an eternal and collective commitment to the success of our battles and the progress of our nation.”
House Joint Resolution 19 designates a portion of Interstate Route 80, from mile marker 26 to mile marker 51 – located in West Central Illinois and crossing through Rock Island County – as the U.S. Marine Corps Highway Semper Fidelis. Semper Fidelis, Latin for “always faithful,” is the motto of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Hastings is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. After graduation, Hastings was deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he earned the Bronze Star for meritorious service. His military leadership instilled in him a lifelong commitment to duty, discipline and public service – values he wanted to honor with the renaming of Route 80.
House Joint Resolution 19 was adopted by the Senate on Saturday.
