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----------------------------- Senate Engrossed House Bill ----------------------------- State of Arizona House of Representatives Forty-sixth Legislature First Regular Session 2003 ----------------------------- HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 2001 -----------------------------
A JOINT RESOLUTION
DESIGNATING THE PORTION OF INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 40 LOCATED IN THE STATE OF
ARIZONA AS THE "PURPLE HEART TRAIL" IN HONOR OF PURPLE HEART RECIPIENTS.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
Whereas, it is important and fitting for our society to recognize and honor the contributions of those citizens who have bravely served this nation in times of battle; and
Whereas, the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the United States of America in the State of Arizona seeks to promote patriotism, history and education among the people of this state; and
Whereas, these objectives can be attained by perpetuating the ideals and heritage fostered by George Washington, who, as the General commanding America's military forces during the war of the revolution, established the purple heart decoration on August 7, 1782 at Newburgh following his victory over British troops at the battle of Yorktown; and
Whereas, the current purple heart medal, which was designed by General Douglas MacArthur, himself a purple heart recipient for wounds received during World War I, shows the profile and family crest of General George Washington and reflects the deeply rooted history and prestige of this award; and
Whereas, it has long been a practice to honor national heroes and patriots by naming national and state landmarks for them; and
Whereas, citizens of the State of Arizona have the opportunity to honor both living and deceased combat-wounded veterans who have received the purple heart medal, including more than one million currently surviving recipients; and
Whereas, the State of Virginia has designated portions of its interstate and state highways to begin the national Purple Heart Trail; and
Whereas, the State of Arizona and the other states in the union, by likewise designating portions of their highways, can establish the Purple Heart Trail as a nationwide tribute to the millions of purple heart recipients who have courageously and selflessly defended this nation in times of war; and
Whereas, the Military Order of the Purple Heart will provide funding for the signage and the maintenance of the signage identifying the Purple Heart Trail in this state.
Therefore
Be it resolved by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:
1. That, notwithstanding section 41-836, Arizona Revised Statutes, the portion of Interstate Highway 40 located in the State of Arizona be designated the "Purple Heart Trail".
2. That the Department of Transportation approve, place and maintain appropriate signage to identify the Purple Heart Trail.
3. That the Military Order of the Purple Heart shall donate to the veterans' donation fund of the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services an amount necessary for the cost of materials, installation and maintenance of the signage of the Purple Heart Trail.
4. That the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services shall, prior to the manufacturing and placement of the signs, transmit the necessary amount of funds to cover the agreed upon cost and number of signs for the Purple Heart Trail to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
5. That no state funds shall be expended for upkeep or maintenance of the Purple Heart Trail signage.
6. That the Secretary of State transmit a copy of this Resolution to the Director of the Department of Transportation, the Chairman of the State Transportation Board and the State Chairman of the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the United States of America.