Jan. 30, 2018
HARRISBURG – Rep. Stephen Bloom (R-Cumberland) today introduced legislation in the state House of Representatives to honor Carlisle native Marine Lance Cpl. Edward Rykoskey, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War.
Under
House Bill 2044, the bridge located on State Route 641, also known as East High Street, over the LeTort Spring in Carlisle Borough would be designated as the “Marine Lance Corporal Edward Rykoskey Memorial Bridge.”
“Cpl. Rykoskey was a hero in every sense of the word. He put the welfare of our nation and its citizens above his own personal safety,” Bloom said. “If approved, this bridge will become a daily reminder to Carlisle residents and travelers that freedom is never free.”
Rykoskey was killed on Aug. 18, 1966, 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.
“Cpl. Rykoskey knew his movement would alert the enemy of his position, but he didn’t hesitate to warn his fellow patrolmen of the impending danger,” Bloom said. “His actions were truly selfless and embody the true definition of sacrifice.”
Rykoskey was stationed in the Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam, as part of C Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF.
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.
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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