SIKESTON - The Missouri Department of Transportation would like to make everyone aware of a special event that will take place to honor SPC James Burnett, Jr.. A one mile section of Hwy 25 beginning at the Advance city limits and continuing south will be named in honor of SPC Burnett.

The ceremonies will be held this Friday, Nov. 16, at 4 p.m. at the Advance R-IV Elementary School Cafeteria located at 33790 State Highway 91 North in Advance, Mo.  All servicemen and the general public are encouraged to attend the event.

SPC Burnett died on Nov. 16, 2011 at the age of 21 as a result of injuries he received from a roadside bomb incident while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Kandahar province in Afghanistan.  He was a member of the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska. 

SPC James Burnett, Jr. was a highly decorated soldier with many awards and decorations that include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Combat and Special Skill badge, Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge (Bar, Weapon: Rifle (Inscription: Rifle), Expert), and the Overseas Service Bar.

Senator Rob Mayer will be on hand as one of the speakers for the event.  Senator Mayer was responsible for sponsoring the legislation to name this section of Highway 25 in Stoddard County as the "SPC James Burnett, Jr. Memorial Highway" in honor of the soldiers dedication and sacrifice for the cause of freedom.