House concurrent resolution honors 19 veterans with highway signage

House Concurrent Resolution 39, with the -1 amendment, was presented to the House Rules Committee on June 4, 2025, to recognize 19 veterans from Oregon by name. Committee staff read the names included in the resolution and the amendment that added 10 additional veterans.

Representative Christine Draisen testified in support, outlining short biographical details for several of the veterans, including service branches, dates of death, awards, and burial locations. She said highway signs bearing their names serve as daily reminders and help preserve collective memory.

Multiple veterans—9 organizations and speakers spoke in favor of the resolution. Thomas A. Weiss, president of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 271, urged consistent roadside memorials and said the Department of Defense maintains an official list of veterans who died in Vietnam. Brian Gornick, an Iraq Freedom veteran, and Col. Rick Kofel, a U.S. Army veteran and member of veteran service organizations, also urged passage. Laurie Kimmel, a retired master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, testified in support remotely and urged the resolution move out of committee.

Vice Chair Drazen moved the -1 amendment and then moved HCR 39 as amended to the floor with a "be adopted" recommendation. The amendment and the resolution were adopted by roll call in committee; Vice Chair Drazen will carry the resolution on the House floor.

The committee record shows members spoke about the personal importance of memorials and Memorial Day observances; no fiscal impact was recorded for the resolution in the committee summary.