Senate designates State Route 126 as 'George Wallen Memorial Highway' and honors family

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Senate unanimously approved a measure to designate State Route 126 in Weber County as the "George Wallen Memorial Highway," honoring a Utah native and Medal of Honor recipient.

Senator Musselman presented the bill and invited Blake Wallen, George Wallen's son, and other family members to the floor. Musselman recounted Wallen's military service, noting that the VA medical center and a retirement center already carry Wallen's name and that a highway designation would broaden public recognition. "George Wallen was a Utah native from Ogden... one of only five Medal of Honor recipients in the state of Utah," Musselman said. (Sen. Musselman)

The Senate passed SB37 by voice/roll-call, 24–0, with five senators absent; the bill will be transmitted to the House. The body also paused to recognize a visiting delegation from Ukraine and read citations praising their public service during the Russian occupation.