HLS 14RS-2899 ENGROSSED
Page 1 of 2
Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 71
BY REPRESENTATIVE NORTON
HIGHWAYS: Requests DOTD to study the adoption of special signage to designate streets
and highways in honor of military personnel
A RESOLUTION1
To urge and request the Department of Transportation and Development to study the2
implications and feasability of adopting special signage to designate streets,3
highways, and bridges in honor of members of the United States Armed Services.4
WHEREAS, the state of Louisiana owes an eternal debt of gratitude to the men and5
women of the United States Armed Forces; and6
WHEREAS, Louisiana's state and local governments often honor military heroes and7
their services by naming streets and highways after them and their distinctions; and8
WHEREAS, Caddo Parish has used special signage to designate its most recent9
street, John Petterway, Jr. Boulevard, in honor of local military hero John Petterway, Jr.; a10
stretch of Interstate 20 in Caddo and Bossier parishes is also named Purple Heart Highway;11
and12
WHEREAS, other examples include the Gramercy Bridge that connects St. James13
Parish with St. John the Baptist Parish, which is known as the Veterans Memorial Bridge;14
the Purple Heart Memorial Bridge that crosses Red River in Rapides Parish; Veterans15
Memorial Boulevard near the Baton Rouge Metro Airport in East Baton Rouge Parish; and16
one of the most well-known and frequently traveled roads in the New Orleans-metro area,17
Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Jefferson Parish; and18
WHEREAS, these and many other roads, highways, and bridges throughout the state19
are named after and dedicated in honor of our military veterans to extend enduring20
appreciation for their inspiring display of patriotism, to recognize the pride and honor they21 HLS 14RS-2899 ENGROSSED
HR NO. 71
Page 2 of 2
bring to local areas and the entire state, and to honor their commitment and dedication to1
their country, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom; and2
WHEREAS, naming roads and highways in honor of military veterans is a fitting3
way to pay tribute to these brave members of the armed forces, particularly those who have4
given their lives for their country, and to acknowledge the heroic deeds of those who fight5
for freedom every day at home and abroad.6
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the7
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request the Department of Transportation and8
Development to study the feasability and practicality of naming state roads, highways, and9
bridges in honor of military veterans and does hereby request that the department report their10
findings to the House Committee on Transportation, Highways, and Public Works at least11
thirty days prior to the convening of the 2015 Regular Session.12
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation and13
Development shall receive input and counsel from the Louisiana Department of Veterans14
Affairs while conducting the study and preparing the report.15
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation and16
Development shall utilize the signage that is currently being used in Caddo Parish, such as17
the John Petterway, Jr. Boulevard, as an example in naming roads and highways in honor18
of military personnel for the purpose of this study.19
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted20
to the secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the secretary of the Department21
of Transportation and Development.22
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Norton HR No. 71
Requests DOTD to study the adoption of special signage to designate streets and highways
in honor of military personnel and to report to the House oversight committee 30 days prior
to the 2015 Regular Session.