Family, fellow veterans and community leaders gathered Monday to honor the memory of a Sioux County soldier who was killed twenty years ago to the day.
A sign on the bridge over Willow Creek north of Hospers along Highway 60 designates it as “The Private First Class William Thorne Memorial Bridge.” Thorne’s widow, Corey Thorne Schlenker, said when she first learned of the plans for the memorial it answered something she had thought about for years. “You go through your whole life and not wanting their name to be forgotten. And this is just a really wonderful tribute to a reminder of the Hospers residents and everybody who lives around the area, the true sacrifice that Willie gave for his life for this country,” she said. Thorne was 26 when he was killed by an improvised explosive device that detonated near his vehicle in Baghdad on August 24th, 2006.
Monday’s ceremony included remembrances of his life and military service, along with prayers and a short message from Reverend Duane Tinklenberg. He was Thorne’s pastor and officiated his funeral in 2006. “We want to do this, to kind of honor something that the army talks about, the idea of never forgetting, never forgetting those who have paid the ultimate price, the sacrifice of their lives in service of their country,” he said.
Tinklenberg says there is symbolism in the bridge as the Christian belief is that Christ serves as a bridge between people and God – a faith he says comforted Thorne and continues to comfort his family. Retired Iowa Army National Guard Major and Sioux County American Legion Commander Cory Van Sloten spearheaded the memorial designation, which received support from the Sioux County Board of Supervisors.
Schlenker says there’s another reason the bridge over Willow Creek seems like an especially fitting place for her husband’s name. “Have I ever told you Willie loved willow trees? I don’t believe that’s a coincidence that his name will now be on a bridge over Willow Creek. Willie loved to fish, so I’m going to picture him fishing there too,” Schlenker said.
Schlenker thanked those who have supported the families for the past 20 years – and those who have continued talking about the soldier they lost. “Thank you for speaking his name and keeping his memory alive,” she said. Schlenker closed with how she hopes Willie will be remembered by those who knew him – and by those who see his name on the bridge. “Thank you Willie for all the memories you left with each of us. His jokes for always making us laugh, the time he listened and gave advice, or simply just for being a friend of many of us. May he always be remembered for his bravery, dedication, and sacrifice,” Schlenker said.
The dedication ceremony was in Alton and then those at the ceremony were invited to watch the installation of the sign on the bridge over Willow Creek.
(By Carson Schubert, KSOU, Sioux Center)