Governor to Sign Bloom Bill Honoring Fallen Cumberland County Marine
HARRISBURG – Legislation designating a bridge on State Route 641 in Cumberland County as the Marine Lance Corporal Edward Rykoskey Memorial Bridge after a fallen Vietnam War hero is headed to the governor’s desk to be signed into law, said state Rep. Stephen Bloom (R-Cumberland), who authored the bill.
Rykoskey was killed on Aug. 18, 1966, while on his way back from a reconnaissance patrol after alerting his fellow patrolmen to an approaching Viet Cong force in the Da Nang area of South Vietnam. Rykoskey was stationed in the Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam, as part of C Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF.
“His heroic and selfless actions undoubtedly saved the lives of his fellow patrolmen,” Bloom said.
Bloom’s legislation was included in
Senate Bill 1156, which is expected to be signed into law by the governor. The bill officially names the bridge located on State Route 641, also known as East High Street, over the LeTort Spring in Carlisle Borough in Rykoskey’s honor.
“Even though it has been more than 50 years since he gave the ultimate sacrifice, I am hopeful that everyone who uses Route 641 will remember and acknowledge the sacrifices Cpl. Rykoskey made to protect our freedoms and democracy,” Bloom said.
Born May 11, 1946, in Carlisle, Rykoskey graduated from Carlisle Area High School, after which he entered the U.S. Marine Corps and served for two years prior to his death.
Once signed into law, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will post signs displaying the new name to traffic in both directions. A sign unveiling and dedication ceremony is being planned.
Rykoskey’s family selected the East High Street bridge to be named in his honor because it’s located near his childhood home.
Representative Stephen Bloom
199th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abbey Haslam
717.260.6222
ahaslam@pahousegop.com
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