Senator Birkholz asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Birkholz’s statement is as follows:
I would move that my comments be recorded in the Journal because this is an important piece of legislation for the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids.
The bill before us concerns the designation of M-188 highway in Eaton County to be known as the Elgie G. Hanna Memorial Highway. Under the Michigan Memorial Highway Act, the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Home facility is located along this stretch of highway. It’s a home, actually a community of homes, built by the Veterans of Foreign Wars to house orphans from the wars, actually, starting with World War I. They take in children, orphans of any age, and they help raise them, get them into an educational system, give them a loving, warm, and supportive home and family environment.
Elgie Hanna was the only alum from the VFW National Home to be killed in action in Vietnam 40 years ago. This legislation would designate that stretch of highway in his name. I think it’s very important and a very strong testament to Elgie Hanna’s service, as well as the VFW National Home’s service to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. I would urge support of the members.