State Representative Cheryl Grossman (left) is with James and Cathy Bernholtz, as they dedicate U.S. Route 62 between Southwest Boulevard and Kingston Avenue in Grove City as the “Marine Lance Cpl. Eric J. Bernholtz Memorial Highway.”
State Representative Cheryl Grossman (R-Grove City) took part in a ceremony to dedicate the Marine Lance Cpl. Eric J. Bernholtz Memorial Highway.
The ceremony was held on Aug. 5 at the Grove City Gold Star Memorial Park located at Broadway and Columbus Street.
“Eric Bernholtz paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom,” said Grossman. “I am grateful that he will be remembered with such a permanent gesture in our community by all who travel through our town center. Let us never forget.”
“We are deeply saddened by our loss and our community will now honor Eric’s family through the Gold Star Families Memorial now located on the Eric J. Bernholtz Memorial Highway,” said Grove City Mayor Richard “Ike” Stage.
Marine Lance Cpl. Eric J. Bernholtz was killed on Aug. 3, 2005 while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His vehicle was hit by a bomb south of Hadithah, Iraq while he was conducting combat operations.
Bernholtz was a 2000 graduate of Grove City High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve and attached to the Regimental Combat Team 2, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force.
In May, the Ohio House voted unanimously to pass Senate Bill 182, which dedicated a number of roadways after fallen military heroes who called Ohio home. This legislation specifically designates U.S. 62 between Southwest Boulevard and Kingston Avenue in Grove City as the
“Marine Lance Cpl. Eric J. Bernholtz Memorial Highway.”
