HOUSE MEMORIAL 20

54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2020

INTRODUCED BY

Harry Garcia and Rodolpho "Rudy" S. Martinez and

Debra M. Sariñana

 

 

 

 

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE STATE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TO NAME A BRIDGE ON INTERSTATE 40, EXIT 131, IN TO'HAJIILEE, AFTER PRIVATE FIRST CLASS RAYMOND PLATERO.

 

     WHEREAS, requests for the designation or dedication by name of any department of transportation bridge are submitted to the state transportation commission for approval; and

     WHEREAS, a requested designation by name is intended as a memorial to an event, a person or persons of historical significance or intended as an honor to a person or persons of national esteem; and

     WHEREAS, Raymond Platero earned the rank of private first class, E-3, and served in the United States army with company D, third battalion, one hundred eighty-seventh infantry, one hundred first airborne division; and

     WHEREAS, during the Vietnam conflict, Private First Class Platero was killed in action on January 26, 1970; and

     WHEREAS, Private First Class Platero received the following military service awards: purple heart, bronze star medal, air medal, army commendation medal, national defense service medal, Vietnam service medal with three bronze service stars, republic of Vietnam campaign ribbon with device, good conduct medal, combat infantry badge, sharpshooter badge with automatic rifle bar and marksman badge with rifle bar; and

     WHEREAS, Private First Class Platero was of Navajo descent; and

     WHEREAS, the To'Hajiilee Navajo chapter of the To'Hajiilee Navajo veteran's organization passed a motion during a 2019 chapter veteran's organizational meeting to support the dedication of a bridge on interstate 40, exit 131, to honor Private First Class Platero, who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country; and

     WHEREAS, a fitting honor to recognize Private First Class Platero for his dedication, service and ultimate sacrifice for his country would be to have a bridge named after him;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state transportation commission be requested to name a bridge located on interstate 40, exit 131, in To'Hajiilee, after Private First Class Raymond Platero; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the state transportation commission and the commander of the To'Hajiilee Navajo veteran's organization.

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