HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 20

(By Delegates Yost and Ennis)

[Introduced January 18, 2006; referred to the

Committee on Rules.]




Naming the bridge which traverses Buffalo Creek on State Route 2 at the southern entrance to Wellsburg in Brooke County, the "John G. Chernenko Bridge".

Whereas, John G. Chernenko, served this state with honor and distinction as a State Senator, being elected to that position of high honor and trust on three separate occasions, in 1982, 1986 and 1990; and
Whereas, Before serving this state as a State Senator, John G. Chernenko selflessly served this Country with great courage and dedication, going well above and beyond the call of duty, as a soldier in the United States Army during World War II, enduring great hardship and sacrifice as a prisoner of war, and being awarded the Purple Heart with cluster, and Bronze Star (five campaigns) as the result of the heroism he exhibited on the field of battle; and
Whereas, In 1961 he continued his service to his country as he was appointed by President John F. Kennedy to be the United States Marshal for the Northern District of West Virginia, a position to which he was reappointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965 and in which he served until 1969; and
Whereas, As a State Senator, Senator Chernenko served as Majority Whip, Chairman of the Labor Committee, and member of the Energy, Industry and Mining, Finance, Government Organization, Health and Human Resources, Military, and Select Committee on Redistricting; and
Whereas, As a small token of this Legislative Body's immense and genuine appreciation for Mr. Chernenko's service, dedication and courage, as a Soldier, Legislator and Leader, it is desired that the bridge traversing Buffalo Creek at the southerly entrance to Mr. Chernenko's beloved Wellsburg in Brooke County, be named the "John G. Chernenko Bridge"; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name the bridge which traverses Buffalo Creek on State Route 2 at the southern entrance to Wellsburg in Brooke County, the "John G. Chernenko Bridge"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to post signs at each entrance and exit of the above- designated bridge, with words, printed in bold and prominent fashion, proclaiming the "John G. Chernenko Bridge"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates is hereby requested to provide a certified copy of this Resolution to the following: Marc B. Chernenko, 170 Sycamore Street, Wellsburg, West Virginia 26070; the Department of the United States Army in Washington, D.C., and to the State Commissioner of Highways.