When turning onto Kanell Boulevard, citizens and visitors to the city of Poplar Bluff will now know the contribution the road's namesake gave to his country.
Signs proclaiming Kanell Boulevard as Private Billie Gene Kanell Memorial Highway have now been placed along the road to honor Butler County's only Congressional Medal of Honor recipient.
"This day has been a long time coming," Air Force veteran Rob Callahan said. "We have been trying to get the sign up for a couple of years and it's a great honor to be standing here today recognizing and paying tribute to Private Billie Gene Kanell and his family."
Kanell's three living siblings, Wanda Burkett, Fay Powell and Betty Pruitt, were able to be in attendance during the dedication Tuesday morning for the honor and were presented with a proclamation from Poplar Bluff Mayor Susan McVey and the city council.
Kanell's nephew, United States Navy retired Tim Powell, was also in attendance and recalled attending his uncle's funeral.
As a young boy, he said he remembered watching his grandmother cry as the speaker told about how Private Kanell absorbed not one, but two grenades that landed in his bunker and saved the lives of those he was fighting alongside.
"The best we can do is remember their children, to remember America's fallen war fighters for their sacrifices in defense of our nation and that is why we are here today," Powell told the group, realizing there is little one can say or do to remove the stinging pain from a grieving mother.
Congressman Jason Smith was reminded of John 15:13 that says there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends while attending the Kanell Boulevard dedication.
"Billie is the example of what makes Poplar Bluff one of the finest," Smith said. "It's pretty awesome to drive down this highway (Kanell Boulevard) and to recognize this highway for decades to come."
Lt. Colonel Steven McGunegle from Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., said Kanell's story was like many soldiers past and present who answered the nation's call to serve.
"We are not here today to dwell on the brutality of war, but to celebrate the brilliant life of the human spirit that so often shines in the darkest of times," McGunegle said. "I ask as you go on with daily life and turn onto the road, don't reflect on the loss, but reflect on the example he set through his selfless service."
He went on to encourage others to find ways in their daily lives to go a little further, endure a little longer and look a little closer to find ways to be a positive force for others in the community.
"Selfless service can take many forms," McGunegle said.
Small actions, he said, may seem insignificant, but the example being set is what is important.
"The greatest honor we can give those we have lost is to never forget and most importantly inspire to live a life worthy of their sacrifice," he said.
Legislation was passed in 2016 with the help of Speaker Todd Richardson and Missouri State Senator Doug Libla to start the process of dedicating the road to Kanell.
Kanell left Poplar Bluff on March 21, 1951 on a train for St. Louis. From there he went on to Fort Sheridan, Ill., and Hawaii for infantry training. From Hawaii he left for Japan on Aug. 16, 1951 and arrived Aug. 26. After a short time there he was sent to Korea where Kanell was killed in action Sept. 7, 1951 while protecting his fellow soldiers from two grenades.
On June 13, 1952, Kanell was awarded the United States Military's highest decoration, the Congressional Medal of Honor, for his conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage and self-sacrifice.