OLYMPIA —The state House of Representatives has approved a joint memorial to name a stretch of state Highway 110 between Forks and LaPush for veterans of the first Gulf War.
The measure passed by a unanimous vote Friday. It now goes to the state Senate, which needs to pass it before it can become law.
The highway would be called “Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial Highway,” in honor of those who fought in the 1990-’91 campaigns against Iraq.
Rep. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim, sponsored the joint memorial for the second year in a row.
It passed the House in 2009, but didn’t make it out of the state Senate before the conclusion of the legislative session.
“Desert Storm veterans are our friends, neighbors, and co-workers. This is a great way to honor them that they can see every day,” said Van De Wege, who represents the 24th Legislative District which covers Clallam, Jefferson and part of Grays Harbor counties.
From the House floor, Van De Wege read the names of the eight Washington residents who were killed in Operation Desert Storm.
Portions of state Highway 112 on the North Olympic Peninsula are named in honor of Korean War veterans and Vietnam War veterans.
