Cairo Pays Tribute to Our Local Military

CAIRO -- While many people are preparing for Easter Sunday, a community in Alexander County had another celebration in mind. The city of Cairo decided to honor the military in a big way Saturday by holding a parade and special dinner.

"It's not that much from our perspective," said Mayor Tyron Coleman. "Many of them have given their lives for our country, so this is just a small acknowledgement of what they've done," he explained.

Coleman said it's been a couple years since there's been a parade in Cairo, so this weekend they're paying tribute to our local military.

"I think we've kind of lost that spirit of closeness to what's going on so hopefully this will stir some interest locally," said Coleman.

Members of the Illinois National Guard 2nd Battalion, 130th infantry out of Marion were honored as special guests. The group was given a key to the city for their efforts during the 2011 floods.

"To recognize the fact that they came down to protect the city, the businesses, and the homes, all the citizens of this community," expressed event organizer Phillip Matthews.

Specialist Buddy Siebert was one of dozens of soldiers who helped with sandbagging, evacuations, and clean-up. He said he's glad to be back in a community that's come a long way in the last year.

"It's good to see how far this community's come on the rebuild process for the devastation that they had so, it's good to be back," said Siebert.

22-year-old Megan Born was also honored at Saturday's events. Her husband Josh paid the ultimate sacrifice just two months ago while serving in Afghanistan.

Born was one of at least 20 people killed during the angry protests over the accidental burning of Qurans at a U.S. military base in Afghanistan in February.

"It means a lot that even 6 weeks after my husband was killed the community still remembers his sacrifice," insisted Born.

Born said she appreciates all the recognition Josh has received, but hopes people remember the war isn't over yet.

"I hope that people realize that people are still fighting for our country," she said. "People are still making sacrifices and I hope that they're proud of that."

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