6/2/2008
Media Contact:
Christina Cesnik
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Council Passes Special Resolution Recommending Airport Name Restoration
Indianapolis – President Bob Cockrum announces the passage of Proposal No. 265, 2008, a Special Resolution, which recommends that the Indianapolis Airport Authority change the name of the Indianapolis International Airport to Indianapolis Weir Cook International Airport when the new terminal opens later this year.
President Cockrum said, "Weir Cook gave an incredible service to our country, fighting in both World War I and World War II. Combining the Airport's old name and new name honors not just Weir Cook, but all veterans who have served our country and serve as role models for future generations."
Councillor Jeff Cardwell, Economic Development Committee Chair, said, "This move would pay tribute to the history of our recent past, honor our military heroes, and continue to promote Indianapolis as a world-class city."
Councillor Bob Lutz, Rules and Public Policy Committee Chair, "The new terminal gives the opportunity restore the honor we had bestowed upon Weir Cook. It also gives us the opportunity, due to the construction, to make this change with minimal expense to taxpayers."
H. Weir Cook was born in Hancock County in 1892. He fought alongside flying ace Eddie Rickenbacker during World War I. He was instrumental in the creation of the airport in Indianapolis by establishing the city as a stop on the Airmail route, picking the site on which it currently stands, and helping in its design and construction. Weir Cook created a radio show that not only entertained, but educated adults and children about aviation. When the United States entered World War II, he volunteered to serve was killed in action in a plane crash in 1943. In 1944, the airport was named for Weir Cook, but in the 1970’s it was changed to Indianapolis International Airport to reflect the city's growth. Many airports across the country have been named in honor of important people, Indianapolis is one of the few cities that taken a person’s name off entirely.
President Cockrum said, "This move was advocated by military veterans and other citizens. Restoring the name Weir Cook to the airport would continue Indiana’s tradition of honoring our veterans."
The resolution passed by a vote of 25-3.
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