JERSEY: Community honors Memorial Day and celebrates one of area’s own

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By Steven Spencer

While the nation celebrated Memorial Day to honor and mourn those in the military who died serving the country, the local community took the time to honor and celebrate one of the area’s own, Specialist Anthony W. Gilman.

Born in Jerseyville in 1976 and raised in Calhoun County, Gilman graduated from Calhoun High School in 1994 before enlisting in the U.S. Army working as a crane operator.

On July 4, 1999, the former Michael resident became the first casualty of the Kosovo Nato Peacekeeping Mission, dying at the age of 23 after being struck by a civilian vehicle.

The celebration of Gilman on Monday, May 26, drew a large crowd to Calhoun High School where those who grew up with and served with him shared stories of who they called a phenomenal human being.

Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer was in attendance Monday and read a resolution from the General Assembly that will recognize Specialist Gilman and his service by designating a portion of Illinois Route 96 from Mozier to the Pike County line as the Army Specialist Anthony William Gilman Highway.

After friends and family shared some heartfelt memories of Gilman and stories about how he impacted so many lives, keynote speaker Major General Christopher Beck reminded the crowd how Gilman will continue to live in the hearts and minds of everyone for his profound acts of courage and sacrifice.

“I’ve heard it said by many that this is the most expensive federal holiday we have,” he said. “But it’s not because of the number of hotdogs or hamburgers, or flying to see family, it’s because we take the time on this holiday to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Which is why today is an incredibly fitting day to honor Tony Gilman.”

Beck recalled the summer of 1999 and the events that led to Gilman’s death and spoke on the profound impact he made and continues to make in the lives of others.

“Following that loss we had some very very tough days in Kosovo. He was an inspiration the entire time we were there,” he said.

“You all should know that Tony was truly the definition of selfless service and a hero. He protected many of my soldiers that were in that tunnel. His actions helped save the lives of others. So to his parents, his family, and this entire community, you need to know what an incredible young man you raised. You should be very proud,” Beck said. “Thank you all very much for honoring Tony today and every day.”