Legislators honor York County overpass flag-waver


For years, Leonard Farrington was a regular figure in York County. Not because he'd run for office, was a wealthy businessman or had been involved in some nefarious scheme.

Leonard Farrington was noted for getting on top of the Sutton Road overpass in Fort Mill (Exit 83) and waving an American flag, an effort he'd taken up the day after 9/11 and continued until 2011, when health reasons forced him to hand the flag over to the local Rolling Thunder chapter.

While Farrington passed away a year ago, he hasn't been forgotten. Two York County legislators - Rep. Ralph Norman and Senator Wes Hayes - have both sponsored resolutions to name the Sutton Road overpass after him. Those bills - S215 and H3293 - are expected to pass easily. The signs to be placed will read:

PATRIOT LEONARD A. FARRINGTON
9/11 MEMORIAL BRIDGE

While he may have been a hero of that time, it wasn't the first time Farrington answered the call of duty. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1941 upon learning of the attack on Pearl Harbor, spending much of the war in the Pacific.

Fort Mill state Rep. Raye Felder, who represents much of the area near the the overpass, called the recognition "well deserved", while Rock Hill state Rep. Gary Simrill praised Farrington, calling him a "true Patriot! We usually name bridges and intersections after politicians, but this man is truly deserving."

The Rolling Thunder chapter continues the tradition started by Farrington on that overpass and others in the area.

The Blogland would like to see the signs honoring Farrington mounted on top of the overpass, near the spots where he would be seen answering the call of duty which drove him through much of his life.

1 Response to "Legislators honor York County overpass flag-waver"

  1. Anonymous 16/1/13 09:44
    This is a fine way to honor a true representative of what makes the people of SC and this country great. SC has had a habit in the past of naming over-passes, interchanges and the like for politicians and elected officials whose only claim to fame was that they were in office. On several occasions this has turned out to be an outright embarrassment (remember the Earle Morris interchange..just for starters). Thumbs up to Ralph Norman and Wes Hayes...teg

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