SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 21

(By Senators Jeffries, Lindsay, Stollings, and Tarr)

[Introduced January 25, 2022]

Requesting the Division of Highways name bridge number 40-034/00-021.21 (40A162), (38.53214,-81.89558) locally known as Winfield 34 over pass, carrying 34 over 817 in Putnam County, the “Putnam County Veterans Memorial Bridge”.

Whereas, Putnam County is home to approximately 4,000 veterans ranging from the Korean War to the War in Afghanistan and make up about nine percent of West Virginia's veteran population.  Thousands of Putnam County residents have proudly served in the military from the Civil War to the War in Afghanistan and have received every commendation except the Medal of Honor. Putnam County is the home of three National Guard Units 111th Engineer Brigade,3664th Support Maintenance Company, B-Troop 1st of the 150th Armor, and a US Navy Reserve Center. Many of these guardsmen, women, and Naval Reservists are also veterans of the Gulf War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. These men and women cross this bridge every day on their way to the armory; and

Whereas, Many of our veterans, when they return home, continue to serve their communities in Putnam County and surrounding areas as first responders, Sheriff of Putnam County, business owners, and elected officials. Putnam County Veterans also continue to serve their communities and other veterans through The American Legion, Marine Corps League, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Veteran Organizations. The 231 members of The American Legion in Winfield have one of the best Honor Guards in the area. They were called upon to assist with the former Secretary of State Ken Hechler’s Funeral, Charleston Veterans Day parade, and Pearl Harbor Day ceremony. They also hold several ceremonies within the county honoring veterans.  The VFW Post has approximately 150 members and serves the Veterans of Putnam County with their Honor Guard and contributions to many organizations within the county.  The Marine Corps League and it's 27 members is the newest veteran’s organization in Putnam County forming in 2020. Since forming they have participated in several veteran ceremonies in the county, led parades in Hurricane and presented the Nations Colors at Hurricane High Schools Band Competition. They have also started an annual 5K/10K Race to fund a scholarship in honor of their Detachments name’s sake CPL William B. Fulks. The veteran organizations teach our youth the history of our flag, how to take care of the flag, and what it takes to keep our country free. They also contribute thousands of dollars every year to veterans in need and other community organizations; and

Whereas, Putnam County has many memorials honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Eighty-nine Putnam County residents have made that sacrifice since World War II but have nothing to honor those who have proudly served our country. Everyday hundreds of Putnam County Veterans and/or their families cross over the overpass on Route 817, which is right beside the counties War Memorial, in Winfield. What better way to show the State and Putnam County's gratitude than to name this overpass in honor of all Putnam County Veterans; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate Putnam County Veterans and their contributions to our state and country; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name bridge number 40-034/00-021.21 (40A162), (38.53214, -81.89558) locally known as Winfield 34 over pass, carrying 34 over 817 in Putnam County, the “Putnam County Veterans Memorial Bridge”; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs identifying the bridge as the “Putnam County Veterans 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 Commissioner of the Division of Highways.