It would seem that our esteemed legislators and Rep. Hans Dunshee would have more urgent and pressing matters to occupy their time than finding a new name for Highway 99. (Article, “Bill to rename Highway 99 after Snohomish man clears House.”) Dunshee’s proposal to rename the highway after a black Civil War veteran who lived in Snohomish seems like the proverbial solution in search of a problem.
If Dunshee believes it’s an “important gesture to rechristen the highway to make a statement about our values,” I would like to suggest a more timely candidate for such commemoration would be Sgt. Joe R. Hooper of Moses Lake. Hooper served in Vietnam, and became the most decorated service man in U.S. history, surpassing both Alvin York (World War I) and Audie Murphey (World War II). Hooper was awarded the Medal of Honor, two Silver Stars, six Bronze Stars, and eight Purple Hearts, among other awards. Like so many other valiant Americans who gave so much, Hooper came home, settled in Seattle, and passed into anonymity, as did so many Vietnam vets. This state is not lacking in men and women who served heroically, and deserve public recognition. Among those who come to mind is Greg “Pappy” Boyingtom, USMC, who became a legend in WW11 for his exploits against the Japanese as a fighter pilot, and as an all-around maverick.
No matter how much time and effort the Olympia gang put into the heavy burden of choosing new identity for the road, the reality is it will always be Highway 99 to about 99 percent of the population, just like the Lacey R. Murrow Bridge will always be the “Floating Bridge” and the good old George Washington Memorial Bridge will be the “Aurora Bridge” until the last light is turned out in Seattle. And how many can even give the official name for the Ballard Locks? I realize that it’s a tricky concept for politicians to grasp on occasion but … if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
Lee Fowble
Edmonds
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