TO THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION, AND TO THE WASHINGTON STATE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, AND TO THE WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION:

We, your Memorialists, the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Washington, in legislative session assembled, respectfully represent and petition as follows:

WHEREAS, The United States' involvement in World War I extended from April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918; and

WHEREAS, November 11, 2018, marks the centennial anniversary of Armistice Day; and

WHEREAS, Nearly 60,617 Washingtonians served in military uniform during the "War to End All Wars" and 1,642 lost their lives during the conflict; and

WHEREAS, Volunteers started a military training camp at American Lake to encourage citizen readiness for the war in Europe, leading to the construction in 1917 of Tacoma's Camp Lewis, which later became Fort Lewis and then Joint Base Lewis-McChord; and

WHEREAS, The South Tacoma Way bridge at exit 127 over I-5 is currently unnamed; and

WHEREAS, Signage in the vicinity of the bridge at exit 127 over I-5 would be a visible display of honor and gratitude to those members of the armed forces who served in World War I; and

WHEREAS, We owe a great debt of gratitude to those members of the armed forces who lost their lives in that war, and also those who served and aided in carrying out their duties to the ultimate victory;

NOW, THEREFORE, Your Memorialists respectfully pray that the Washington State Transportation Commission commence proceedings to name the South Tacoma Way bridge at exit 127 over I-5, the "World War I Veterans Memorial Bridge," with permanent signage in the vicinity of the bridge.

BE IT RESOLVED, That copies of this Memorial be immediately transmitted to the Secretary of Transportation, the Washington State Transportation Commission, and the Washington State Department of Transportation.

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