PRINCETON, Ill. (KWQC) – Illinois State Senator Win Stoller’s legislation to rename the Main Street/I-80 bridge to Princeton is now a reality. Senator Stoller named the bridge “Staff Sergeant Lincoln Hollinsaid Memorial Bridge”.

“Lincoln Hollinsaid, or Link as his friends and family called him, was an American hero who bravely put his life on the line in defense and service to our nation,” said Senator Stoller.

The bridge is in memory of Master Sgt. Lincoln Hollinsaid who died in the line of duty while serving in Iraq.

“Nearly 19 years ago, Staff Sergeant Hollinsaid made the ultimate sacrifice for our country when he was killed in action while serving in Iraq. Naming this bridge in his honor is the least we can do as a nation and a state,” said Senator Stoller.

Hollinsaid grew up in Lake Wildwood, Illinois and graduated from Princeton High School. He enlisted in the US Army in 1995 and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

“Link was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing, but what he loved most was his family, his friends and this great nation. When it became clear that our armed forces were headed for conflict in Iraq, Staff Sergeant Hollinsaid requested a unit transfer to have a better opportunity to serve on the front lines and in combat,” said Senator Stoller.

Staff Sgt. Hollinsaid was killed near Baghdad airport in Iraq on April 7, 2003, while serving as a platoon sergeant.

“Staff Sergeant Lincoln Hollinsaid died serving his country in the endless struggle for freedom. There is no greater tribute to Staff Sergeant Lincoln Hollins than to name this significant bridge in Princeton in his memory,” said Princeton Mayor Joel Quiram.

Hollinsaid’s family joined Sen. Stoller and Mayor Quiram at a press conference near the bridge on Tuesday when the bridge’s name was announced.

“People will drive across that bridge and his name will be there. When they see his name, some of them will remember him while others may wonder: Who was Staff Sergeant Lincoln Hollinsaid? As a father, it’s up to me to make sure Link is remembered, which is why we pursued this nomination,” said Dan Hollinsaid, Lincoln Hollinsaid’s father.

“I am more than honored to have played a part in ensuring that his name and his legacy will be enshrined and remembered by our future generations,” said Senator Stoller.

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