Washington House Democrats

February 13, 2007

OLYMPIA – Under legislation proposed by state Rep. Lynn Kessler (D – Hoquiam) and Rep. Kevin Van De Wege (D – Sequim), portions of state Highways 112 and 113 in Clallam County would be dedicated the “Korean War Veterans Blue Star Memorial Highway.” 

The idea was first proposed to Kessler by Gerald Rettela, a Korean War veteran from Port Angeles who founded the first Washington State chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association.  Rettela met with Kessler last month and presented her with a resolution he had drafted. 

“I read the resolution to her.  She liked it immediately,” Rettela said. 

528 Washington residents, including five from Clallam County, were killed in action in the Korean War conflict between 1950 and 1953. 

The portions of road to be designated as a Blue Star Memorial Highway would be Highway 112 from the junction of Highway 113 to the Makah Indian Reservation in Neah Bay, and Highway 113 from between the junction of Highway 101 and Highway 112.  Korean War Veterans memorial highways can be found in numerous other states, including Missouri, Illinois and New Jersey.  

“This would be the first highway memorializing a war in Washington State,” Kessler said.  “I am proud to sponsor legislation to designate this memorial in my own district.” 

The average age of vets belonging to the Korean War Veterans Association Olympic Peninsula Chapter 310 is seventy-five.  The group was formed this year and already boasts twenty-eight members.  Rettela currently serves as president. 

"A lot of people know the Korean War as the Forgotten War, so I'm glad Mr. Rettela has taken it upon himself to ensure our state never forgets the veterans that served there," Van De Wege said. 

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For more information

Rep. Lynn Kessler, (360) 786-7904

Rep. Kevin Van De Wege (360) 786-7916

Website and print-quality image:

http://www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/kessler/

http://www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/vandewege/

Staff contact: Jennifer Zahn Spieler, (360) 786-7201

Bill information

HJM 4017:  http://aor.leg.wa.lcl/billsummary/default.aspx?Bill=4017&year=2007

Radio and TV News Directors

To obtain broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-7208.