HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 35

(By Delegate Toney)

[Introduced January 17, 2024; Referred
 to the Committee on Technology and Infrastructure then Rules]

Requesting the Division of Highways name bridge 41-003/00-000.77  () (41A017), (37.96177, -81.53366) locally known as MARSH FORK BRIDGE, carrying WV 03 over MARSH FORK in Raleigh County, the "Gulf War Veteran's Memorial Bridge."

Whereas, More than 650,000 Service members served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm from August 2, 1990 to July 31, 1991. For VA benefits eligibility purposes, the Gulf War period is still in effect. This means that anyone who served on active duty from August 2, 1990, to present is considered a Gulf War Veteran. For example, the Veterans Pension benefit requires service during a wartime period. Therefore, any Veteran who served on active military service for any period from August 2, 1990, to the present meets the wartime service; and

Whereas, Raleigh County has a proud history of citizens serving their country in the Armed Forces, and currently 8.9% of its residents, over 5,200, are Veterans of WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and both Gulf Wars. Of this number, there are more than 2,100 Veterans of the Gulf Wars residing in Raleigh County; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate Gulf War Veterans 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 41-003/00-000.77  () (41A017), (37.96177, -81.53366) locally known as MARSH FORK BRIDGE, carrying WV 03 over MARSH FORK in Raleigh County, the "Gulf War Veteran's 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 "Gulf War Veteran's Memorial Bridge"; and, be it

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