Costa Legislation Names Bridge After Fallen Soldier

5/29/2015

News

STATE HOUSE – A fallen North Kingstown solider is closer to being memorialized after a unanimous vote of the House of Representatives on Thursday, May 29.

Bill 2015-H 6185 sponsored by Representative Doreen Costa, (R-Dist. 31,North Kingstown, Exeter), and co-sponsored by Rep. Robert E. Craven Sr. (D-Dist. 32, North Kingstown) seeks to rename the West Davisville Road Bridge the Second Lieutenant Matthew Coutu Memorial Bridge.

Coutu was killed on June 27, 2005 by small-arms fire when his convoy was attacked in Baghdad. He was 23 years old.

His mother, Donna Coutu, was welcomed to the House floor by Rep. Costa.

“Losing a child is never easy. Donna has shown a great deal of courage and resilience in the years since her son’s death. Naming this bridge after Matthew is just one simple way for us as a community to remember him and his ultimate sacrifice,” said Costa.

IN PHOTO: Rep. Doreen Costa, right, welcomes Donna Coutu, a Gold Star Mother, and Patrick Fayle to the State House on May 28, 2015. Donna was present to see the House pass a bill introduced by Rep. Costa designating a bridge in North Kingstown as The Second Lieutenant Matthew Coutu Bridge, named for her son.

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For more information, contact:
Lisa Blais, House Minority Office
State House Room 106
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2259

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