West Virginia honors fallen soldiers with bridge memorial resolutions
March 28, 2025 | 2025 Legislature WV, West Virginia
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The Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee convened on March 28, 2025, to discuss several resolutions honoring military personnel and infrastructure projects in West Virginia. The meeting focused on naming bridges and roads after fallen soldiers and veterans, as well as addressing the urgent need for highway improvements.
The committee began by reviewing resolutions that pay tribute to soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice or displayed extraordinary bravery. Notably, Senate Concurrent Resolution 9 proposes naming a bridge in Grant County the Beckler Brothers Eugene and Kermit Beckler Memorial Bridge. Both brothers served in World War II, with Eugene killed in action in 1944 and Kermit succumbing to wounds from an attack in 1943.
Next, Senate Concurrent Resolution 16 seeks to honor US Army Specialist Johnny Long by naming a bridge in Boone County after him. Long, who served in the Vietnam War, was recognized for his valor with multiple awards, including the Bronze Star.
The committee also discussed Senate Concurrent Resolution 17, which aims to name a bridge in Marion County the US Army Corps Bridal R. Lee Haught Memorial Bridge. Haught was awarded several medals for his service during World War I, having died from wounds sustained in action.
House Concurrent Resolution 8 proposes naming a bridge in Logan County after Private First Class Lester E. Maynard, who died in 1968 while providing cover for his platoon under heavy fire. Additionally, House Concurrent Resolution 9 seeks to honor Private Robert S. Pomeroy with a memorial bridge in Kanawha County, recognizing his sacrifice during his service in Vietnam.
The committee also addressed House Concurrent Resolution 27, which aims to name a road in Mineral County after Brigadier General Edmund Francis, a veteran with a distinguished military career.
Lastly, House Concurrent Resolution 78 emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize the completion of I-73, known as the King Cole Highway, which would significantly improve access for residents and emergency services in several counties affected by recent flooding.
The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on honoring the sacrifices of military personnel while also addressing critical infrastructure needs in the state. The committee plans to move forward with these resolutions and prioritize the highway project to enhance safety and accessibility for West Virginians.
The committee began by reviewing resolutions that pay tribute to soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice or displayed extraordinary bravery. Notably, Senate Concurrent Resolution 9 proposes naming a bridge in Grant County the Beckler Brothers Eugene and Kermit Beckler Memorial Bridge. Both brothers served in World War II, with Eugene killed in action in 1944 and Kermit succumbing to wounds from an attack in 1943.
Next, Senate Concurrent Resolution 16 seeks to honor US Army Specialist Johnny Long by naming a bridge in Boone County after him. Long, who served in the Vietnam War, was recognized for his valor with multiple awards, including the Bronze Star.
The committee also discussed Senate Concurrent Resolution 17, which aims to name a bridge in Marion County the US Army Corps Bridal R. Lee Haught Memorial Bridge. Haught was awarded several medals for his service during World War I, having died from wounds sustained in action.
House Concurrent Resolution 8 proposes naming a bridge in Logan County after Private First Class Lester E. Maynard, who died in 1968 while providing cover for his platoon under heavy fire. Additionally, House Concurrent Resolution 9 seeks to honor Private Robert S. Pomeroy with a memorial bridge in Kanawha County, recognizing his sacrifice during his service in Vietnam.
The committee also addressed House Concurrent Resolution 27, which aims to name a road in Mineral County after Brigadier General Edmund Francis, a veteran with a distinguished military career.
Lastly, House Concurrent Resolution 78 emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize the completion of I-73, known as the King Cole Highway, which would significantly improve access for residents and emergency services in several counties affected by recent flooding.
The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on honoring the sacrifices of military personnel while also addressing critical infrastructure needs in the state. The committee plans to move forward with these resolutions and prioritize the highway project to enhance safety and accessibility for West Virginians.
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