The Michigan House unanimously passed two bills to re-name portions of two area highways.
State Rep. Tim Sneller (D-Burton) announced the renaming of a portion of I-69, between Center and Belsay roads in the city of Burton, as the “Bataan and Corregidor Veterans Memorial Highway.”
According to a press statement released by Sneller, during World War II, the Japanese military bombed Pearl Harbor and the Philippine Islands simultaneously in December of 1941. The Philippine Islands were crucial to Japan’s strategic plans during the war, and it was there that the Battles of Bataan and Corregidor were fought, resulting in an estimated 750000 combined civilian and military deaths. Approximately 75,000 Americans and Filipinos were taken prisoner on Bataan and forced into the now-infamous 70-mile Bataan Death March to prison camps.
This small commemoration is the least we can do to pay tribute to the brave men who fought for our freedom all those years ago,” said Sneller in the statement. “I am honored to be able to play a part in ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.”
The House also unanimously passed a bill to rename a portion of M-57 in Clio as the “Firefighter Mike Wager Memorial Highway.” State Rep. Sheryl Kennedy (D-Davison) introduced the bill in January to honor the eight-year veteran of the Clio Area Fire Department who lost his life when his vehicle was struck by an intoxicated driver in July 2016.
“Today, we took another step closer to commemorating the life and work of one of our local heroes,” said Kennedy in a press statement. “Designating this highway is the least we can do to ensure that Firefighter Wager’s work will never be forgotten. Mike represented all that was best in us, and I believe his tireless commitment to our community will continue to inspire Michiganders for years to come.”
Both bills will now go to the Senate for further consideration.
