State Rep. Cheryl Grossman Announces Marine Lance Cpl. Eric J. Bernholtz Memorial Highway Dedication Ceremony

COLUMBUS—State Representative Cheryl Grossman (R-Grove City) today announced the ceremony to dedicate the Marine Lance Cpl. Eric J. Bernholtz Memorial Highway. The ceremony will take place on Friday, August 5 at 2:00 p.m. at the Grove City Gold Star Memorial Park located at Broadway and Columbus Street.

Eric Bernholtz paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom,” said Representative Grossman. “I am grateful that he will be remembered with such a permanent gesture in our community by all who travel through our town center. Let us never forget.”

“We are deeply saddened by our loss and our community will now honor Eric’s family through the Gold Star Families Memorial now located on the Eric J. Bernholtz Memorial Highway,” said Grove City Mayor Richard L. “Ike” Stage.

Marine Lance Cpl. Eric J. Bernholtz was killed on August 3, 2005 while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His vehicle was hit by a bomb south of Hadithah, Iraq while he was conducting combat operations.

Bernholtz was a 2000 graduate of Grove City High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve and attached to the Regimental Combat Team 2, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force.

In May, the Ohio House voted unanimously to pass Senate Bill 182, which dedicated a number of roadways after fallen military heroes who called Ohio home. This legislation specifically designates U.S. 62 between Southwest Blvd and Kingston Avenue in Grove City as the “Marine Lance Cpl. Eric J. Bernholtz Memorial Highway.”

Bernholtz is remembered by his friends as someone who loved life. He is survived by his parents, James and Cathy Bernholtz, and his brother, Adam Bernholtz, who reside in Grove City.