Legislation to rename a section of Route 309 North to memorialize the sacrifice of Lance Cpl. Brandon J. Van Parys is one step closer becoming law after having passed the state House Oct. 6, said Rep. Gary Day, R-187th, sponsor of the proposal.

Van Parys, a Marine from New Tripoli, was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade in Anbar province, Iraq, on Feb. 5, 2007.

At the time, his unit was attempting to secure an area along the Euphrates River.

A 2005 graduate of Northwestern Lehigh High School, he was a member of the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Exped- itionary Force from Camp Lejeune, N.C.

He was motivated to join the Marines by the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

"Our servicemen and servicewomen are very special people. They are patriotic, they are selfless, they are skilled, and they believe in freedom so much that they are willing to give their entire lives to ensure that freedom lives on for future generations," Day said. "Brandon was yet another fine example of the type of people who are drawn to protecting our country through military service, risking everything in the name of freedom and liberty. We will forever be indebted to his sacrifice and service, and this highway naming is just one small way we can show our appreciation to him and his family."

He is survived by his father, Alan; his wife, Tammy; his mother, Catherine Hearn and her husband, Gregory; his brothers, Christopher Van Parys, Daniel Van Parys, Samuel Hearn and Jesse Hearn; and his sister, Ashley Hearn.

House Bill 2272 would name the portion of Route 309 North in Lynn Township, between the intersections of Northwest Road and Long Court and Mosserville Road and Mountain Road, in memory of Van Parys.