AN ACT relative to naming certain bridges on State Route 6.

WHEREAS, from time to time, this General Assembly has seen fit to name certain highways and bridges to honor those distinguished public servants who have contributed significantly to the health and prosperity of their respective communities; and

WHEREAS, Judge Edward T. Workman of Mount Pleasant, Maury County is most assuredly one such exemplary citizen who is deserving of special recognition; and

WHEREAS, as Presiding Judge of General Sessions Court, Part II of Maury County, Ed Workman has served every citizen in a fair and impartial manner and has made himself available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to hear pressing matters before the court; and

WHEREAS, throughout his four terms in office, Judge Workman has been committed to protecting the constitutional rights of every citizen; and

WHEREAS, Judge Workman has served the criminal justice system with distinction for nearly fifty years in a variety of positions, including Constable, Chief Deputy Sheriff, Court Officer and General Sessions Judge for 27 outstanding years; and

WHEREAS, prior to his meritorious service on the bench, Judge Workman excelled as the Chief Deputy Sheriff of Maury County for six years and was a General Sessions Court Officer for 17 years; and

WHEREAS, in 1971, Governor Buford Ellington appointed him as Judge of General Sessions Court, Part II of Maury County; and

WHEREAS, a native of Maury County, Judge Workman has lived his entire life in Mount Pleasant, except for his laudable term of service in the United States Marine Corps; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Hay Long High School, Ed Workman was the Captain of the school's football team and was named an All-South linebacker; his gridiron prowess earned him scholarship offers from Tennessee, Alabama, LSU, North Carolina, Texas A&M and several other colleges; and

WHEREAS, although he had a draft deferment because of his employment in the war effort, he volunteered for the United State Marine Corps in 1942; and

WHEREAS, he served with courage and valor during World War II as a platoon sergeant with the Third Marine Division, 21^st Battalion in the Pacific Theater of Operations; and

WHEREAS, he was wounded on three separate occasions (at Bougainville, Guam and Iwo Jima) and was thrice decorated with the Purple Heart; and

WHEREAS, after he was injured at Bougainville, Mr. Workman was scheduled to return stateside, but through perseverance and persuasive argument, he was able to convince his supervisors to allow him to rejoin his company; and

WHEREAS, he was decorated with the Bronze Star for service beyond the call of duty in Guam; and

WHEREAS, on his birthday, February 10, 1945, Ed Workman walked 21 miles to board a ship carrying the second wave of Marines to Iwo Jima, where American forces lost more men in less time than in any battle in history; and

WHEREAS, at Iwo Jima, he and his depleted squad were responsible for defusing seventy-five 500-pound bombs, thus clearing the air field for American occupation; Mr. Workman was decorated with the Silver Star in recognition of his bravery and heroism in this action; and

WHEREAS, the following day after he suffered his third combat injury, American forces secured Iwo Jima, and he was present to see the first American flag raised on Mt. Suribachi; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his impressive record of military service during World War II, Judge Ed Workman has dedicated his entire life to astutely serving his fellow citizens of Maury County as a Judge, as a civic leader and in numerous other capacities; now, therefore,

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:

SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the new bridge at Rockdale Hill on State Route 6 (U.S. Highway 43) in Maury County is hereby designated the "Judge Ed Workman Bridge" as a lasting tribute to this accomplished jurist and his life of purpose and commitment to others.

SECTION 2. The Department of Transportation is directed to erect suitable signs or to affix suitable markers designating such bridge on State Route 6 as the "Judge Ed Workman Bridge".

SECTION 3. The erection of such signs shall be within the guidelines prescribed by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.