Route 15A in Lima to be Renamed the “Lima Veterans Memorial Highway”

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan announced today that Governor Andrew Cuomo has recently signed legislation into law (S. 3242 - Gallivan) that will designate the portion of Route 15A that runs through the Town of Lima as the “Lima Veterans Memorial Highway”.

“Every corner of this state has a rich tradition of national service and every citizen owes a degree of gratitude to all those who have served through the years. That is even more true for the residents of Lima,” Gallivan said. “Lima was founded by veterans of the Revolutionary War and the town has sent its sons and daughters to defend America in every one of our nation’s major armed conflicts. This designation is a fitting tribute to both the town and its tradition of military service.”

The idea to honor Lima veterans in this manner came from Lima resident, Joyce Rapp who enlisted the help of local veterans in pushing the project forward. She then contacted Sen. Gallivan's office earlier this year hoping to rename the highway. Mrs. Rapp lost her then 19-year-old husband in 1944 during World War II. Her husband of sixty-three years, Dick Rapp, is a World War II veteran, having served in the Navy."

“I would like to thank Senator Gallivan and Assemblyman Burling for embracing this idea for a lasting tribute to Lima’s veterans and for being true partners this year as legislation was passed through both houses and now signed into law by Governor Cuomo. It’s a very special day for me personally, and for all of Lima’s veterans and their families,” said Rapp.

The bill passed both houses unanimously. A formal dedication is expected in the coming months.

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The full text of the bill can be found at: http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S3242-2011