Committee Substitute

for

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 39

(By Delegates Stephens, Barnhart, Sheedy, Ward, and Pritt)

[Originating in the Committee on Energy and Public Works; Reported on March 10, 2025]

Requesting the Division of Highways name a portion of Route 2 bearing the coordinates 40°01'41"N 80° 43'38W and 40°00'07"N 80°43'57"W in Benwood, Marshall County, as the "Gold Star Mother Catherine Blake Highway", with two gold stars after her name.

Whereas, Catherine Blake lost two sons in World War 1; and

Whereas, Edward Leo Blake was enlisted in the United States Navy when the U.S.S. Cyclops was lost in March of 1918, wherein he sadly perished; and

Whereas, William Thomas Blake was enlisted in the United States Army, and was killed in action on October 21, 1918, in the Argonne Forest during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in France; and

Whereas, Post 46, Blake Brothers American Legion in Benwood, West Virginia is named in their honor; and

Whereas, At the time of her loss of two sons in World War 1, Catherine Blake was one of the very few Double Gold Star Mothers in America; and

Whereas, It is believed that Catherine Blake is still the only Double Gold Star Mother in Marshall County; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate Catherine Blake and her sons who served both West Virginia and their nation; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name a portion of Route 2 bearing the coordinates 40°01'41"N 80° 43'38W and 40°00'07"N 80°43'57"W in Benwood, Marshall County, the "Gold Star Mother Catherine Blake Highway", with two gold stars after her name, and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to erect signs containing bold and prominent letters identifying the stretch of roadway as the " Gold Star Mother Catherine Blake Highway"; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.