Renaming State Route 902 in honor of fallen heroes

MEDICAL LAKE – A local veterans group has submitted a proposal to rename State Route 902 through Medical Lake as the "Gold Star Memorial Highway."

The Eastern Washington Veterans Task Force has submitted the proposal to rename the 12.36-mile route that runs from Interstate 90 exit 272 through Medical Lake and returns to I-90 at exit 264 to the Washington State Transportation Commission. The commission is schedule to take up the proposal once it reconvenes as COVID-19 phase restrictions allow, according to a May 12 news release, and has requested public comment.

"I don't know that they are looking for specific feedback other than awareness by the community and a sense for support or concerns/opposition and why," Eastern Washington Veterans Task Force co-chair and director of the Washington State Veterans Cemetery at Medical Lake Rudy Lopez said in an email.

According to the news release, Gold Star is used to identify a servicemember who has lost their life in service to their country. The designation honors the servicemember while also acknowledging their "family's loss, grief and continued healing."

According to the release there are a number of Gold Star families living in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, and the SR 902 renaming proposal recognizes their sacrifices. The proposal has received support from a number of elected officials, including Washington Sen. Patty Murray and Congressional 5th District Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers.

Also in support are state Sen. Jeff Holy (R-6th District), Sen. Andy Billig (D-3rd District), 6th District representatives Mike Volz and Jenny Graham and 3rd District representatives Marcus Riccelli and Timm Ormsby. The West Plains Chamber of Commerce, Greater Spokane Incorporated, the Medical Lake City Council and several other individuals have also endorsed the proposal.

Comments to the state Transportation Commission may be emailed to [email protected].

John McCallum can be reached at [email protected].