SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 62
(By Senators Chafin and Fanning)
Requesting the Division of Highways name bridge number 30-119-11.68
(2892) on Route 119 south of Belo, Mingo county, the "BMC
Howard W. Bannister Memorial Bridge".
Whereas, Chief Boson's Mate Howard W. Bannister was born on
July 6, 1929 in Holden, Logan County, West Virginia to Herbert and
Beula Pack Bannister; and
Whereas, Chief Howard W. Bannister made a career with the
United States Navy, having served on active duty for more than
eighteen years, rising to the rank of Chief Boson's Mate; and
Whereas, Chief Howard W. Bannister was serving on a river
assault craft as a member of an elite Navy SEAL Team in Long An,
South Vietnam; and
Whereas, Chief Howard W. Bannister and his team were on a
covert operation when they took a hit from an enemy round on July
11, 1967, which ended his life; and
Whereas, Chief Howard W. Bannister received the Purple Heart
and other service decorations; and
Whereas, Chief Howard W. Bannister left a wife, Alice
Bannister and children; and
Whereas, Having given the ultimate sacrifice for his country,
his state and fellow man we are compelled to ensure that future generations are aware of Chief Howard W. Bannister's commitment to
the cause of freedom; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name
bridge number 30-119-11.68 (2892) on Route 119 south of Belo, Mingo
County, the "BMC Howard W. Bannister Memorial Bridge"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is requested
to have made and be placed signs identifying the bridge as the "BMC
Howard W. Bannister Memorial Bridge"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby
directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Chief Howard
W. Bannister's widow, Alice Bannister Cline, and the Secretary of
the Department of Transportation.