A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME MOODY ROAD IN THE TOWN OF MARTIN IN ALLENDALE COUNTY FROM MILLET ROAD TO PATTERSON MILL DRIVE "SGT. ORENTHIAL J. 'O.J.' SMITH MEMORIAL ROAD" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
Summary
H5352 is a concurrent resolution requesting the South Carolina Department of Transportation to designate a portion of Moody Road in the Town of Martin, Allendale County, as "Sgt. Orenthial J. 'O.J.' Smith Memorial Road" and to erect appropriate signs or markers. The named stretch runs from Millet Road to Patterson Mill Drive. The resolution is commemorative in nature and does not create a new regulatory program or impose duties beyond the requested road naming and signage.
The resolution includes a detailed tribute to Sgt. Orenthial J. Smith, describing his upbringing in Allendale County, his service in the U.S. Army, his deployment to Iraq, his death in Baghdad in 2003, and the military honors and awards he received, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. The measure was adopted and returned to the House with concurrence, indicating it received favorable legislative treatment and moved through the process without recorded opposition in the available materials.
Impact
This resolution would affect state and local transportation naming practices by asking the Department of Transportation to place honorary signage on a specified segment of Moody Road in Allendale County. It does not amend the South Carolina Code or alter substantive rights, but it does direct state recognition of an individual through a memorial road designation. The practical impact is limited to signage, mapping, and public commemoration, with any implementation dependent on DOT action.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment around H5352 appears strongly positive and respectful. The bill is framed as a tribute to a fallen service member and emphasizes his military service, sacrifice, and connection to the community. Its adoption with concurrence and the absence of recorded committee or floor controversy suggest broad agreement and a ceremonial, nonpartisan reception.
Contention
No notable substantive contention is reflected in the available record. Because the resolution is honorary and local in scope, there is no evidence of disagreement over policy, cost, or legal effect. Any potential concern would likely be limited to routine questions about signage placement or administrative implementation by the Department of Transportation, but none are documented here.