The late Lance Cpl. Brandon J. Van Parys' legacy and sacrifice to the United States will be forever remembered by having a section of Route 309 North in Lehigh County named in his memory.

State Rep. Gary Day, R-187th, authored the naming legislation, which was signed July 10 by Gov. Tom Wolf.

"Forever remembering Brandon's dedication to our country and his noble sacrifice is now on the books as a state law," Day said. "By renaming this portion of Route 309 in his memory, we will be reminded of his unwavering commitment to the cause of liberty and freedom."

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

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 Expeditionary Force out of Camp Lejeune, N.C.

The section of Route 309 North in Lynn Township to be renamed will be from the intersections of Northwest Road and Long Court, and Mosserville Road and Mountain Road.

Day hosted Van Parys' family – his father, Alan; his wife, Tammy; his mother, Catherine Hearn, and her husband, Gregory; brothers, Christopher Van Parys, Daniel Van Parys, Samuel and Jesse Hearn; and sister, Ashley Hearn – in the state House in March, when the legislation first passed the House.