American flags proudly line Routes 1 and 24 throughout Watseka. Those flags were displayed Sunday be civic volunteers feeling patriotic gratitude to Army Sgt. Jeremy Cain Sherman, a 23-year-old who died along with six other soldiers when a helicopter crashed during a peacekeeping mission in Eqypt.

Sgt. Sherman was one five American soldiers identified by Army officials Saturday. Jeremy was a 2015 graduate of WCHS. He proudly enlisted to serve his country.

And while some four-dozen volunteers took time to display the American flags in Jeremy’s honor Sunday, some said they were proud to get involved, feeling an obligation to recognize Jeremy’s sacrifice. It’s about recognizing the freedom we all enjoy because of Sgt. Sherman, the six other soldiers killed and all military heroes who have served and continue to serve.

Among the volunteers decorating the Watseka routes were friends, strangers, former educators/coaches of Jeremy, and American Legion Post 23 members.

Watseka alderwoman Monna Ullfers, who helped coordinate the flag decorations several years ago during holiday celebrations for Memorial Day, July 4, and Veterans Day, said “this is what it’s all about , this sad occasion makes it so worthwhile and uplifting.”

94.1 WGFA