A section of Route 41 spanning across Highland Road in Atglen has been dedicated to Corporal Brandon Hardy, a graduate of Octorara High School and a U.S. Marine who was killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom on April 28, 2006. 

Hardy graduated from Octorara in 1999, and served 5 years with the U.S. Air Force before enlisting with the Marine Corps in 2005, taking a cut in rank and pay to make the transition. Hardy graduated at the top of his class at the Amphibious Assault Training School, and was the crew chief of a vehicle for his unit, the  3rd Assault Amphibia Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. Hardy deployed to Iraq on March 27, 2006, and on April 28, his team’s vehicle struck an IED killing three of the five servicemen instantly—including Hardy.

At the dedication ceremony held at Octorara High School on April 26, Brandon’s mother, Jill Hardy, recalled a beautiful spring day which quickly was clouded by the news. 

“Not my son, not Brandon. Brandon would surely call and say there was some mistake, but that call never came. But his body did. It arrived to me in a flag draped coffin,” recalled Hardy. Before his deployment, Brandon shared with his mother a passage from the Marine Corps Manual that read: “I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.” 

Jill Hardy said of her son, “It was his only regret that he only had one life to lose for his country, which is a quote by Nathan Hale that he would often tell me.” 

The dedication of the highway was a two-year long process that received a boost when State Sen. Carolyn Comitta got involved a year in. Sen. Comitta introduced the guests for the Route 41 dedication ceremony, and she offered remarks on Brandon and the Hardy family before unveiling a replica of the highway sign with Jill Hardy.

Dr. Steven Leever, Superintendent of Octorara School District, welcomed Brandon’s family and friends, a sea of Marines, officers from the Parkesburg Police Department, and students from the high school to the ceremony. The Octorara High School Band and Choir presented the National Anthem, and the nieces and nephews of Brandon led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Marine Corps League Detachment 286 provided the Presentation of Colors at the start of the ceremony. 

“We are honored that his name will be seen every day by those who travel Route 41,” said Jill Hardy before the closing of the ceremony. 

The audience then gathered outside to walk across Route 41 with a traffic stop provided by the local fire company and police department. Null’s Towing provided a raised American flag in front of the newly dedicated highway sign at Route 41 and Highland Road, across from the school campus.