PORT ANGELES – Gerald Rettela of Port Angeles set out to have a tangible memorial for the veterans of the Korean War.

In January he presented his idea, to name sections of state Highways 112 and 113 the “Korean War Veterans Blue Star Memorial Highway” to state Rep. Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, who – along with Rep. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim, and Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam – represents the 24th District.

The 24th District covers Clallam and Jefferson counties as well as a portion of Grays Harbor County.

House Joint Memorial 4071 was approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate and awaits Gov. Chris Gregoire’s signature.

“We are very glad that the Legislature felt that this was an important issue,” said Rettela.

The legislation names a section of state Highway 113 – between U.S. Highway 101 and state Highway 112 – and a section of Highway 112 – from its junction with Highway 113 to the Makah tribal reservation in Neah Bay the Korean War Veterans Blue Star Memorial Highway.

It is named the veterans of the war that saw the United States defend the Republic of South Korea from a North Korean invasion.

The fighting began in June 1950 and ended in July 1953, with a truce between North and South Korea.

Rettela said he was particularly glad that the issue was on the “fast track.”

“We just gave it to her in January and here it is April and it has already passed,” he said.

“But this is an issue that is long overdue.”