To honor all military veterans, the city of Kent will rename South 231st Way as Veterans Drive.
City officials will host a street-naming ceremony for Veterans Drive at 11 a.m. Friday, May 31. The ceremony, at the intersection of South 231st Way and Russell Road, is open to the public. Veterans are encouraged to attend.
Mayor Suzette Cooke said the project was requested by Kent resident Marcus Shelton as a way to honor veterans for their dedication and service to our country, especially his father, the late Thomas E. Shelton, who retired after 26 years in the U.S. Air Force.
“I thought it was a great idea and a fitting tribute to have a street in Kent that honors all branches of service,” Cooke said in a city media release. “We should always remember those veterans who sacrifice in order to protect and defend the freedoms we enjoy and cherish.”
South 231st Way will be renamed Veterans Drive where it intersects at the north end of Russell Road, and continues west over the Colonel Joe M. Jackson Bridge and ends at Military Road.
Cooke said renaming this particular portion of road is so appropriate because of its historical significance.
“Military Road opened up supply lines between military forts when it was first completed in 1860, making it one of the oldest roads in Washington,” Cooke said. “Now it will be appropriately connected with a bridge dedicated to local World War II veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Joe M. Jackson.”
The city dedicated the new bridge to Jackson when it was completed in 2006.
The ceremony will include music, military and motorcycles. Individuals or groups interested in supporting the event are encouraged to call the city at 253-856-5700 or email VeteransDrive@KentWA.gov.
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