Statement From Representative Tony Shipley About Pfc. Joseph L. Meade Memorial Bridge

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(June 29, 2011, NASHVILLE) ‚¬ Representative Tony Shipley (R‚¬â€Kingsport) today released the following statement regarding the dedication of the Granby Road bridge, that passes over State Route 137 in Sullivan County,‚  as the Pfc. Joseph L. Meade Memorial Bridge:

It is an honor to have carried the legislation that will commemorate the life of one of our countys own fallen heroes. While this is but a small token of our appreciation for his sacrifice, this bridge will help remind us all of the extraordinary lengths our service men and women go through to protect our freedoms.

As a veteran, I can testify to the fact there is no higher calling than service to this great nation. We are known as the Volunteer State because we have such a rich tradition of safeguarding our country. Pfc. Joseph L. Meade stands as a prime example of what it means to be both an American and a Tennessean.

Rep. Shipley placed this highway into House Bill 914, which overwhelmingly passed the General Assembly. The text of the entry for the bridge, which is now Public Chapter 445 in the Tennessee Code, states:

State Bridge No. 82-3900- spans U.S. Highway 23 (State Route 137) on Granby Road in Sullivan County, designated the “Pfc. Joseph L. Meade Memorial Bridge” in recognition of the life of valor and death in combat of the late Private First Class Joseph L. Meade, United States Marine Corps, who was killed while serving his country in Vietnam with M Company, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division.

The bridge dedication will take place on location at a ceremony on July 2^nd.