After spending nearly a year and a half working to rename the Main Street I-80 bridge in Princeton in memory of Staff Sergeant Lincoln Hollinsaid, State Senator Win Stoller (R-Germantown Hills) is proud to announce the initiative is becoming a reality after the General Assembly passed a resolution this week.
“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 of our nation,” said Sen. Stoller. “Almost 19 years ago to this day, 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 that we as a nation and state can do.”
Staff Sergeant Hollinsaid was raised in Lake Wildwood and graduated from Princeton High School. In 1995, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. On April 7, 2003, while serving as platoon sergeant, Staff Sergeant Hollinsaid was killed in action near the Baghdad airport in Iraq.
“During many conversations with Link’s parents, Dan and Nancy, I learned Link was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing, but what he loved most of all was his family, friends, and this great nation. When it became clear that our armed forces were headed toward conflict within Iraq, Staff Sergeant Hollinsaid requested a unit transfer to have a better opportunity of serving on the front lines and in combat,” continued Sen. Stoller. “I am beyond honored to have played a role in ensuring that his name and legacy will be enshrined and remembered by future generations.”
The Illinois Department of Transportation will now be tasked with erecting signs along the Main Street bridge over I-80 in Princeton to indicate the bridge is dedicated to the exceptional service and sacrifice of Staff Sergeant Lincoln Hollinsaid. The family of Staff Sergeant Hollinsaid will also be presented with copies of the resolution that was passed by the General Assembly.