State Senator Jil Tracy announced on April 21 the passage of Senate Joint Resolution 29, which honors U.S. Army Specialist Anthony William “Tony” Gilman by designating a section of Illinois Route 96 as the “Army Specialist Anthony William Gilman Highway.” The designated stretch will run from the City of Mozier to the Pike County line.
The resolution aims to recognize and remember SPC Gilman’s service and sacrifice. “Specialist Tony Gilman gave his life in service to our nation, and it is our duty to ensure his sacrifice is never forgotten,” Tracy said. “This designation stands as a lasting tribute to a young man who loved his country and his community, and who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom.”
Gilman was born in Jerseyville on January 22, 1976, grew up in Calhoun County, and graduated from Calhoun High School in 1994. He was known for enjoying hunting and fishing throughout Calhoun and Pike Counties before enlisting in the United States Army in 1997. He reached the rank of Specialist before being killed during a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo on July 4, 1999, becoming the first American casualty of that operation.
Tracy said that “this memorial highway will serve as a visible reminder of SPC Gilman’s bravery and the cost of the freedoms we enjoy.” She also thanked both the Gilman family and local community for their efforts honoring him.
Tracy is a Republican who was elected to represent Illinois’s 50th Senate District in 2023 after replacing former state senator Steve McClure according to official records.
After approval by the House of Representatives, signage marking this memorial highway will be installed by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
