Bill to Name Part of I-295 After Bordentown's Benjamin Moore Advances
Moore was killed in action while serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan in 2011
TRENTON, NJ — Legislation that would name a bridge on Interstate 295 after a Bordentown resident who died while serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan has advanced in the New Jersey Legislature.
S-3673, sponsored by Senator Troy Singleton, would designate the bridge over Crosswicks Creek on I-295 North as the “Benjamin Moore and the 693rd Sappers Company Memorial Highway” in honor of Bordentown resident Benjamin Moore, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2011 while serving in the U.S. Army during Operation Enduring Freedom.
The bill unanimously passed the Senate Transportation Committee on Thursday.
Singleton said that the idea to name the portion of the I-295 bridge after Moore came from Moore’s mother, Amy, President of the American Gold Star mothers Department of New Jersey, when she contacted the Senator several months ago.
“It was an honor to meet Amy and her husband, Pat, who both came to testify in support of the bill,” said Singleton, who represents Bordentown in the Legislature.
Moore, who was known as the “Mayor of Bordentown”, had strong ties to the community, with much of his time devoted to helping others. He served as both a firefighter and as an emergency medical technician for Hope Hose Humane Company No. 1 of Bordentown City — where he was awarded the title of “Honorary Chief,” — Union Fire Company No. 1 of Crosswicks and DeCou Hose Company No. 1 of Hamilton Township, as well as roles within Westampton Township Emergency Services, Capital Health and Trenton Emergency Services.
A 2006 graduate of Bordentown Regional High School, Moore joined the U.S. Army in April 2009, training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri before being stationed in Fort Drum, New York.
While serving with the 693rd Sapper Company, 7th Engineer Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, Pfc. Moore was killed in action on January 12, 2011 in Ghazni Province at the age of 23.
Moore was the recipient of numerous awards and decorations for his heroism, patriotism and service to the United States, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Hart, the Combat Action Badge, the Good Conduct Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization medal.
Singleton said that the bill’s passage was particularly significant given its timing.
“The bill’s movement today was especially timely with Memorial Day earlier this week,” he said. “It was a poignant way to honor this family for their sacrifice.”