R2020-51 Gold Star Family Memorial Bridge DesignationRESOLUTION 2020-51
A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF
NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE HONORARY
DESIGNATION OF BRIDGE NUMBER 930361 ON S.R. AIA/JACK
NICKLAUS DRIVE AS "GOLD STAR FAMILY MEMORIAL BRIDGE,
DEDICATED TO ARMY CAPTAIN JOSEPH M. BERKSON;" AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, during the 2020 Legislative Session, the Florida Legislature enacted Senate Bill 78
designating Bridge Number 930361 on S.R. AIA/Jack Nicklaus Drive in Palm Beach County as
"Gold Star Family Memorial Bridge, dedicated to Army Captain Joseph M. Berkson;" and
WHEREAS, Captain Berkson was deployed to Vietnam in 1971, and his military decorations
include the Silver Star Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantry
Badge, among many others; and
WHEREAS, Captain Berkson was killed in 1972 when his helicopter was shot down and his
daughter, Lauren Berkson, through various community organizations and activities, made it her
mission to educate our community about Gold Star Families whose loved ones made the ultimate
sacrifice defending the United States while serving the armed forces; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Berkson is currently working toward placing Gold Star Family Memorial
Markers in fifteen locations throughout Palm Beach County and drives over the Bridge Number
930361 multiple times a day; and
WHEREAS, Section 334.071(3), Florida Statutes, provides that the erection of markers to
designate a transportation facility for honorary or memorial purposes is contingent on the
appropriate city or county commission passing a resolution in support of the particular honorary
designation; and
WHEREAS, the Village Council wishes to express its support of the erection of a marker
designating Bridge Number 930361 on S.R. AIA/Jack Nicklaus Drive in Palm Beach County as
"Gold Star Family Memorial Bridge, dedicated to Army Captain Joseph M. Berkson."
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE
OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA as follows:
Section 1. The foregoing recitals are ratified as true and incorporated herein.
Section 2. The Village Council hereby approves the honorary designation of Bridge Number
930361 on S.R. AIA/Jack Nicklaus Drive in Palm Beach County as "Gold Star Family Memorial
Bridge, dedicated to Army Captain Joseph M. Berkson" pursuant to Section 334.071(3), Florida
Statues and directs that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Florida Department
of Transportation.
Section 3. This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 27TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2020.
(Village Seal)
ATTEST:
VILI;4G CLERK
MAYOR