A resolution honoring the seven Powell brothers from Greene County, all of whom served in World War II, unanimously passed the Illinois Senate on May 7. Senate Joint Resolution 2, sponsored by Senator Sam McCann names a section of Route 67 through Greene County the “Powell Brothers Memorial Highway.
“When tyranny threatened the entire globe, seven brothers stood up to defend the cause of freedom,” said Senator McCann. “These heroes deserve to be remembered for their dedication to God and country.”
The seven brothers were scattered throughout the Western European, Russian, and Japanese theaters of combat. Arthur, Earl, Fred, and George Powell served in the Navy. Adrian, Everett, and Max Powell served in the Army Air Corps, the predecessor to the modern Air Force. Everett was shot down in his P-47 Thunderbolt over Belgium, and was held in a German prisoner of war camp for 18 months. All seven brothers survived and returned home after the war.
The brothers were commended by the United States Senate in May of 2014. The family’s hometown, Hillview, erected a memorial flagpole in their honor in 1988.
SJR 2 now heads to the Illinois House for approval in that chamber.