Street Named After Fallen Solider

Last updated on Tuesday, August 7, 2012

(BROWNSTOWN) - An honorary street name will pay tribute to a U.S. Marine who died this summer while serving in Afghanistan.

Town council member Ben Lewis requested that Walnut Street be renamed H.D. Hogan Way.

"I would like to honor him with a memorial," Lewis said of Hunter "H.D." Hogan during a council meeting Wednesday.

The council voted 4-0 to designate Walnut Street between Main Street (U.S. 50) and Depot Street as "H.D. Hogan Way" in memory of Hogan.

Hogan, 21, was a 2009 graduate of Brownstown Central High School. He died during combat operations in Helmand province in Afghanistan. A lance corporal, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp LeJeune, N.C.

He grew up in the Clearspring area in western Jackson County.

Lewis said he originally wanted to rename Walnut Street between Poplar and Sugar streets, one block on each side of Main Street.

Town attorney Joe Markel said the council could rename a street but it would require a lot of time and trouble as well as consent from the postal service because businesses and individuals living on the street would have new addresses.

Markel said it would be easier to name a street in memory of Hogan and add signs to existing street signs.

Lewis said he thought that was a good idea, and the council agreed.
Council president John Nolting, who does not vote except in the event of ties, said he appreciates the idea.

"I am a veteran of the Vietnam War, and I had buddies from Seymour who died, and there was nothing," Nolting said. "It was another time."

Hogan's uncle, Scott Hogan of Norman, said Thursday, "I think it's wonderful. It's high time our soldiers are being honored. We're losing more over there, and a lot of people don't know it. They're American soldiers."

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