Matt Sheehan
NORMAL - U.S. Army Ranger Sgt. Joshua P. Rodgers gave the ultimate sacrifice two years ago this weekend in Afghanistan. On Thursday the community of Normal came together to honor his name.
"Josh Rodgers is a hero here in Bloomington Normal and to have a ceremony today to honor his service, his sacrifice, is really what today's all about," said Congressman Darin Lahood (R) Illinois.
The post office in Uptown Normal is now called the U.S. Army Sgt. Joshua Rodgers Post Office, Rodgers' mother says she hopes this post office serves as a reminder for others to remember those who fight for our freedom.
"By honoring the military that people will remember those who are actively serving today. Remember to thank a veteran perhaps when they leave the post office. And from a momma, that no one will forget my son," said Joshua's mother Vonda Rodgers.
Congressman Darin Lahood and Vonda Rodgers say that because of men and women like Joshua, we are able to live in freedom today.
"It's because of people like Josh Rodgers that we live in the greatest country in the world and we need to remind people of that," said Congressman Lahood.
"We have people who are fighting for our freedoms, certainly like Josh, dying for our freedoms, and I hope people remember freedom isn't just the ability to do whatever you want. It's the opportunity to do things that benefit and help other people," said Rodgers.
The ending of the Ranger Creed reads "Readily will I display the fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission. Though I be the lone survivor. His family and friends say Joshua perfectly represented that creed.
