The family of Lance Corporal Armando Hernandez, a U.S. Marine who died in an on-duty accident in Okinawa, Japan, has honored his memory with the renaming of the SH 242 bridge over I-69 in Splendora, Texas. The dedication was carried out through the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Memorial Sign Program, which allows families to place memorial signs along state highways.
The program recognizes individuals such as fallen soldiers and first responders from Texas who lost their lives while serving. TxDOT worked closely with the Hernandez family to design and install the signs at a location chosen for both visibility and safety.
Ana Hernandez, Armando’s mother, spoke about the significance of the bridge dedication: “When we drove Armando to the airport at the end of his leave, his little sister began crying uncontrollably,” she said. “Armando hugged her tightly and promised she would always see him come home. After we lost him in an on-duty accident in Okinawa, Japan, I knew I had to keep that promise.”
She described how they ensured Armando’s body returned home first and recounted the community support during his procession: “We worked to bring Armando home, even coordinating logistics so that his body would arrive in Splendora first,” she said “His procession drew hundreds of people lining the streets. The last exit before home is this bridge. When we passed beneath it, people were holding American flags and a sign that read, ‘Welcome Home, Lance Corporal Armando Hernandez.’ I looked up and silently told my son, ‘Your promise was kept.’”
Ana Hernandez added that the renamed bridge stands as a permanent reminder of her son’s sacrifice: “This bridge is now a permanent reminder that his service mattered, his sacrifice is honored, and that people came together to turn a mother’s wish into reality,” she said. “I am truly grateful to everyone who worked alongside us with love and compassion. Armando lived by the quote, ‘If Not Me, Then Who?’—it inspired him to serve, and it was the drive behind this dedication.”
State Representative Janis Holt sponsored House Bill 2061 authorizing the naming of the bridge: “The naming of the Lance Corporal Armando Hernandez Memorial Bridge is far more than a sign on a highway—it is a permanent reminder of a young Marine who gave his life for our nation and a mother who never stopped fighting to honor him,” Holt said. “This memorial represents the very best of our communities, when families, state leaders, and local partners like TxDOT come together to ensure our heroes are never forgotten.”
TxDOT maintenance supervisor Lynn Champagne explained their role: “The family requested the signs near a specific bridge on FM 242,” said Champagne. “We scoped the area and identified the safest location with the best visibility while staying within TxDOT policy.”
Community members joined family members at an unveiling ceremony attended by law enforcement officers and other local partners.
In related developments regarding transportation infrastructure nationwide:
- The U.S. Department of Transportation announced $19.6 million in grants for small shipyards across 19 states through its Small Shipyard Grant Program aimed at modernization efforts ($19.6 million in grant awards).
- In response to extreme weather threats facing infrastructure projects nationally—including wildfires and flooding—the Federal Highway Administration issued new guidance alongside $7.3 billion in formula funding under President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (New guidance).
- The Department also highlighted advancements in supply chain optimization through its FLOW initiative involving increased data sharing among partners (The Department of Transportation).
The dedication ceremony for Lance Corporal Hernandez marks not only personal remembrance but also illustrates broader themes around honoring service members through public works.
