Kent celebrates opening of Veterans Drive | Slide show

Military veterans, politicians, motorcyclists, elementary school children and a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps drill team were all part of the city of Kent’s ceremony Friday to rename South 231st Way as Veterans Drive.

Kent resident Marcus Shelton asked the city to rename the street as a way to honor veterans for their dedication and service to the U.S., especially his father, the late Thomas E. Shelton, who retired after 26 years in the U.S. Air Force.

“I thought it was a great idea and a fitting tribute to have a street in Kent that honors all branches of service,” Mayor Suzette Cooke said. “We should always remember those veterans who sacrifice in order to protect and defend the freedoms we enjoy and cherish.”

South 231st Way is now Veterans Drive where it intersects at the north end of Russell Road, and continues west over the Colonel Joe M. Jackson Bridge and ends at Military Road.

Motorcycle clubs kicked off the event with a ride from downtown to Veterans Drive. The motorcyclists also were the first to drive on the newly named street.

The list of those who were part of the street-naming ceremony included:

• Kent Elementary First Grade Singers

• A flyover by Cascade Warbirds aircraft

• National Anthem, performed by Petty Officer Sarah Reasner, U.S. Navy Band Northwest

• Representative Adam Smith, U.S. Congressman, 9th District

• Tim Peters, Vice President and General Manager of Mobility, Surveillance and Engagement, Boeing Military Aircraft

• Col. Hugh Bair, Commander, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Joint Base Lewis McCord

• Cmdr. Chris Sutherland, Executive Officer, Navy Recruiting District Seattle

• Rifle Salute by Veterans of Foreign Wars, Kent Meridian Post 6785

• Unveiling of new Veterans Drive street signs, Kent City Council

• Performance by Kentwood High School JROTC Drill Team

• Motorcycle and military vehicle procession