June 1, 2006
OLYMPIA… This Saturday
is the official rededication ceremony for the former Berkeley
Avenue overpass, now Freedom Bridge, on Interstate 5 in
Lakewood. Sen. Mike Carrell (R-Lakewood) and Sen. Marilyn
Rasmussen (D-Eatonville) will speak, along with members of the
military and veterans associations. Carrell had been campaigning
for the name change for over a year before the Washington
Transportation Commission finally approved the proposal. The
overpass connects Lakewood with the main entrance to Camp
Murray, and is the starting point for thousands of Washington
National Guard members on their way to overseas deployment. It
is also a gateway to Fort Lewis and Madigan Army Medical Center.
Over the years, many service families have crossed Freedom
Bridge to visit their loved ones.
The rededication ceremony will
be held just inside the gates of Camp Murray in a beautifully
visual location flanked by a decommissioned M-48 tank and an
F-101 Voodoo fighter jet on display, two powerful symbols of
U.S. military might. At 11:15 a.m., supporters will gather on
Freedom Bridge for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. The
ceremony will also include the Army Band’s performance of the
national anthem, a Joint Color Guard presentation of flags, and
a ride across the Freedom Bridge by about three dozen Patriot
Guard Riders, a national organization of motorcycle riders who
attend soldiers’ funerals and protect mourning family and
friends from interruptions created by protesters.
Guards at the main gate will
redirect traffic to an alternative entrance due to the large
number of Washington National Guard troops in training that
weekend. Parking is limited. To enter, drivers must have their
licenses, registration and proof of insurance, and everyone in
the vehicle must have picture identification.
- WHEN: Saturday,
June 3, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- WHERE: Main
Entrance to Camp Murray, Berkeley Avenue (Exit 122 on I-5),
Lakewood, Wash.
- WHO: Sen. Mike
Carrell, R-Lakewood, (253) 589-7296
— 30—
For more
information contact
Japhet.Rebecca@leg.wa.gov at (360) 786-7516 |