Designates the bridge on state route 394 crossing interstate 86 as the "John Stow Vietnam Veterans and MIA Memorial Bridge"

BILL NUMBER:S4592

Title of bill

An act to amend the highway law, in relation to designating a portion of the state highway system as the "John Stow Vietnam Veterans and MIA Memorial Bridge"

Purpose or general idea of bill

Designates the bridge on state route 394 crossing interstate 86, in the town of North Harmony, County of Chautauqua, as the "John Stow Vietnam Veterans and MIA Memorial Bridge."

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1. Adds one new section, 344-b to the highway law. New Section 344-b of the highway law would designate the bridge on state route 394 crossing interstate 86, in the town of North Harmony, County of Chautauqua, as the "John Stow Vietnam Veterans and MIA Memorial Bridge."

Section 2. Provides that the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation shall provide for the installation and maintenance of adequate signage reflecting the ceremonial designation of the bridge as the "John Stow Vietnam Veterans and MIA Memorial Bridge."

Section 3. States the enactment date.

Justification

John L. Stow was a Private First Class in the Marines during the Vietnam War. PFC Stow was in Vietnam for only a few short weeks until he made the ultimate sacrifice to his country and was killed in action on February 13, 1968 at the Young age of 18. The life of PFC Stow had a profound impact upon his family, fellow marines, community, and the entire country.

PFC Stow was a true hero in every sense of the word; a person to admire, look up to, and emulate, a Marine who truly led by example. This bridge will provide us all the chance to recognize and reflect upon the sacrifice of PFC Stow, including all soldiers that served in Vietnam, as well as all soldiers that have gone Missing in Action during military service in our country.

Marine PFC Stow, like the countless other service men and women past and present who have gone Missing in Action, embodies the type of heroic soldier who dedicated their life to the cause of freedom for our great nation, making the ultimate sacrifice. Therefore, it is vital to honor PFC Stow, all Vietnam Veterans, and the numerous other soldiers that have gone Missing in Action during military service to our great country and have given their life for the noble cause of freedom.

This bill would memorialize the bridge on state route 394 crossing interstate 86, in the Hamlet of Stow in the town of North Harmony, County of Chautauqua, which leads directly into PFC Stow's hometown, as the "John Stow Vietnam Veterans and MIA Memorial Bridge," in remembrance of these service men and women's unwavering devotion to the protection of human life and freedom, even at the cost of their own.

Prior legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.