Rep. Niemerg & Rep. Wilhour: Ceremony to Honor CWO2 Christopher Donaldson & Sgt. Timothy Sayne

DIETERICH, IL… State Reps. Adam Niemerg and Blaine Wilhour provided remarks Tuesday at a “Ceremony of Honor and Remembrance” honoring Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher Donaldson and Sergeant Timothy Sayne, two local servicemen who were killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan in 2006 and 2011, respectively.

They joined Sen. Steve McClure, Mayor Mike Schutzbach, and Commissioner Libby Moeller as more than 200 family members, friends, military personnel, and community leaders gathered outside the Workman Sports Complex in Effingham to honor the fallen servicemen.

As part of the ceremony, the Fayette Avenue overpass was dedicated as the Sergeant Timothy Sayne Memorial Overpass, while the 4th Street overpass was dedicated as the Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher Donaldson Memorial Overpass.

The ceremony included a presentation of colors by Effingham American Legion Post 120. Evie Sayne sang the National Anthem, while Page Brummer, Aliyah Bunton, Shae Conder, Rowyn Frey, Henry Gannaway, Max Gillenwater, and Evie Sayne performed “God Bless America.” Reverend Mike Burdick of St. John’s Lutheran Church provided the benediction, followed by a moment of silence in honor of Sayne and Donaldson.

“These men answered the call to serve our country, and their sacrifice must never be forgotten,” said Niemerg. “It is our responsibility to ensure their names and their stories continue to be remembered by future generations.”

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