COLUMBUS — State Representative Mark Romanchuk (R-Mansfield) this week announced the unanimous passage of legislation he sponsored through the Ohio House Transportation and Public Safety Committee.
House Bill 372 would designate a portion of Interstate Route 71 as the “Richland County Veterans Memorial Highway.”
H.B. 372 seeks to honor veterans who served Ohio and the nation faithfully through military service and now reside in Richland County. Those veterans have served in every major war, and there are eight Medal of Honor recipients in the district.
Among that number was General Frank P. Lahm, after whom Mansfield Lahm Airport was named. Lahm played a number of significant roles throughout his career and was involved in the separation of the Army Air Corps to the United States Air Force. Another local veteran, Colonel Albert Allen, was a survivor of the Bataan Death March during World War II.
“It is an honor to propose this legislation that recognizes the many brave men and women from our county who have made countless sacrifices to serve our great nation,” said Rep. Romanchuk. “Our veterans have earned our admiration and respect. It is my hope that this memorial highway conveys in some small way that each veteran is valued and honored.”
The bill specifically refers to the portion of Interstate Route 71 that is between State Route 39 and State Route 13. Having passed out of committee, the bill now awaits consideration for a vote on the House floor.
