A roughly four mile stretch of State Highway 20 was dedicated to Technical Sergeant Marshal D. Roberts in Claremore Wednesday.

Roberts was killed in Iraq in March of 2020.

The ‘TSgt Marshal D. Roberts Memorial Highway’ connects the communities of Owasso and Claremore. Roberts grew up in Owasso and spent time as an adult in Claremore. Those close to him say this highway connects the two where Roberts called home.

The stretch of State Highway 20 runs from 145th East Avenue to 209th East Avenue.

Roughly 100 people including dozens of service members and Roberts’ family gathered at his father’s car shop for the dedication Wednesday.

Representative Kevin Hern and Senator James Lankford both attended and spoke at the ceremony.

Hern said, “We can never express the gratitude that Oklahomans, including myself, have for the life and service of your husband, of your father and of your son”

Roberts father Randy Roberts also spoke to the crowd and brought many to tears.

He told FOX23 this memorial highway is a way to remember his son almost two years after his death and keep his memory alive for generations like his daughter’s.

Roberts said, “She doesn’t have a father, but she’s got a place to take her children, and her grandchildren, later in life, long after I’m gone, and say this is what the community did, this is how special your grandfather was.”

Roberts served with the 219th Engineering Installation Squadron, 138th Fighter Wing in the Oklahoma Air National Guard.