Alpine County, CA….A specified portion of State Route 88 in Alpine County has been designated as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway. Today, Alpine County officials joined with Washoe tribe members, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) officials, numerous state and county elected officials and surviving family members of veterans from Alpine County to officially unveil two memorial signs renaming the route to the “Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway”.

Supervisor Don Jardine served in the United States military during this period and spoke at the event. “It means a lot to me personally that this route is being dedicated,” said Jardine. “This action will help upgrade the Vietnam war from being classified as the ‘Forgotten War’.

” Assembly member Frank Bigelow sponsored the legislation to dedicate this section of Route 88. Funding was provided by local citizens and the Washoe Tribe and the signs were installed and will be maintained by Caltrans. This dedication recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of residents of Alpine County who served during the Vietnam War and their families.

“Many Alpine County citizens served in Vietnam,” said Dan McElhinney, Director of Caltrans District 10. “This designation is a sign of respect and remembrance for those who served and their families.” A large number of Alpine County citizens who served in Vietnam were members of the Washoe Tribe and grew up and attended school in Woodfords.

“Native Americans have served in every major war over the past 200 years from the Revolutionary War to the latest conflicts in the Middle East,” said Irvin Jim, Chairman of the Woodfords Council of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California. “Today we honor Vietnam Vets for their service and sacrifice on the stretch of highway which runs through the southern part of our Washoe homeland. It is a small token of our appreciation for their courage and tradition as warriors.”
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