Hero Street Vets honored in Silvis - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Hero Street Vets honored in Silvis

By: Jillian Wilson

jwilson@cbs4qc.com

It's the people who lived on Hero Street in Silvis that gave the name meaning. People from all over the country are remembering their service.

"My god, there has been over 120 who have served out here and to have this ceremony here today, it just makes me feel good knowing I'm part of it," says Tony Soliz, a QC Veteran.

Tony Soliz was born and raised on Hero Street.

And like his neighbors, he lived to serve our nation.

"it's recorded in Washington, there is no other street this size, only a block and a half long that had so many men serve in the military. It makes me proud to be one of them."

Tony remembers his eight Mexican American neighbors who died at war.

Today there is a memorial at the top of Hero Street to honor them.

"We don't want to ever forget it and we want our kids to remember this and we want them to understand what the honor and respect is about," says Mayor William Fox of Silvis.

Soldiers from the US Navy were also paid homage to the street that holds a record for its patriotism.

"I think there are very few places in America that inspire the respect that Silvis, Illinois and Hero Street represent and I think it's very important we get the story out," says Chief Master Miguel Rodriguez, US Navy.

For nine years, Tony Soliz has been organizing the ceremony to remember his neighbors,

But today he was honored for his own service.