Support to Rename US 97 “World War II Veterans Memorial Highway” Growing

An effort to get US Highway 97 through Washington State renamed to the "World War II Veterans Memorial Highway" is gaining support locally.

Douglas County Commissioner Mark Straub is proud the board voted to support the rename.

"The board believes very strongly that this is a fitting way to memorialize the extreme sacrifices and hardships our veterans made between December 7th, 1941 and September 2nd, 1945 and quite honestly beyond," stated Straub.

Any rename likely will need the approval of every county US 97 runs through before the Washington State Transportation Commission considers officially changing the title.

The measure has already gained the support of at least Klickitat County. US 97 through Oregon was previously renamed the "World War II Veterans Memorial Highway."

The Eastmont School Board also approved a letter supporting the commissioners' move. The letter is as follows:

Dear Commission:

Recently, Eastmont School District was provided information by a local citizen regarding a segment of US Highway 97 that is in Douglas County and specifically to rename it. His proposal was to continue what Oregon has already approved with 28 signs on US Hwy 97 and Klickitat County from the Oregon border at milepost 0 to milepost 33.5, “World War II Veterans Memorial Highway”. At their meeting on June 22, 2021 the Douglas County Commissioners approved a Proclamation of Support for renaming the highway as well.

At their regular meeting held on August 23, 2021, the Eastmont School District Board of Directors approved supporting this request to rename the segment of US Highway 97 that runs through Douglas County “World War II Veterans Memorial Highway”.

Sincerely,

Garn Christensen
Superintendent