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Committee backs memorial to name Cameron bridge for Navajo code talker Jimmy Preston
Summary
House Concurrent Memorial 2006, urging state and federal geographic-naming boards to name a bridge near Cameron, Ariz., the Jimmy Preston Memorial Bridge in honor of a Navajo code talker and community leader, received a due-pass recommendation after supporters described his service and community leadership.
House Concurrent Memorial 2006 urges the Arizona State Board on Geographic and Historic Names and the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to take steps to name the Trust Bridge in Cameron, Arizona, near U.S. Route 89 and Cameron Roadway, as the Jimmy Preston Memorial Bridge.
Representative Peszalcay (sponsor) and supporters told the committee that Jimmy Preston was a decorated World War II veteran and Navajo code talker whose military service and later leadership as president of the Cameron chapter merited recognition. Testimony described Preston's role in the Navajo code-talker program and his ongoing community service; supporters said an application for the naming is already under review by the Arizona State Board on Geographic and Historic Names and requested legislative support to amplify that effort.
Supporters said the bridge naming would honor the contributions of Navajo code talkers and preserve local history. One committee member described a bridge as an apt memorial because "a bridge can hold a big load" and carry people across and endure for future generations.
Formal action: The committee returned HCM 2006 with a due-pass recommendation. The roll call showed 7 ayes, 0 nays.
Why it matters: Testimony framed the naming as an honor to a veteran and community leader and part of preserving Arizona's cultural and historical heritage. Supporters emphasized local sentiment and the application already under review by the state naming board.
Next steps: The concurrent memorial will proceed to the next stage of legislative consideration and the naming boards will continue their review process.
