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Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 71
BY REPRESENTATIVE NORTON
A RESOLUTION
To urge and request the Department of Transportation and Development to study the
implications and feasability of adopting special signage to designate streets,
highways, and bridges in honor of members of the United States Armed Services.
WHEREAS, the state of Louisiana owes an eternal debt of gratitude to the men and
women of the United States Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana's state and local governments often honor military heroes and
their services by naming streets and highways after them and their distinctions; and
WHEREAS, Caddo Parish has used special signage to designate its most recent
street, John Petterway, Jr. Boulevard, in honor of local military hero John Petterway, Jr.; a
stretch of Interstate 20 in Caddo and Bossier parishes is also named Purple Heart Highway;
and
WHEREAS, other examples include the Gramercy Bridge that connects St. James
Parish with St. John the Baptist Parish, which is known as the Veterans Memorial Bridge;
the Purple Heart Memorial Bridge that crosses Red River in Rapides Parish; Veterans
Memorial Boulevard near the Baton Rouge Metro Airport in East Baton Rouge Parish; and
one of the most well-known and frequently traveled roads in the New Orleans-metro area,
Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Jefferson Parish; and
WHEREAS, these and many other roads, highways, and bridges throughout the state
are named after and dedicated in honor of our military veterans to extend enduring
appreciation for their inspiring display of patriotism, to recognize the pride and honor they
bring to local areas and the entire state, and to honor their commitment and dedication to
their country, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom; and ENROLLEDHR NO. 71
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WHEREAS, naming roads and highways in honor of military veterans is a fitting
way to pay tribute to these brave members of the armed forces, particularly those who have
given their lives for their country, and to acknowledge the heroic deeds of those who fight
for freedom every day at home and abroad.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request the Department of Transportation and
Development to study the feasability and practicality of naming state roads, highways, and
bridges in honor of military veterans and does hereby request that the department report their
findings to the House Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works at least
thirty days prior to the convening of the 2015 Regular Session of the Legislature of
Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation and
Development shall receive input and counsel from the Louisiana Department of Veterans
Affairs while conducting the study and preparing the report.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation and
Development shall utilize the signage that is currently being used in Caddo Parish, such as
the John Petterway, Jr. Boulevard, as an example in naming roads and highways in honor
of military personnel for the purpose of this study.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the secretary of the Department
of Transportation and Development.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES