SPONSOR:	Rep. Spence & Rep. Brady on behalf of all Representatives & Sen. McBride on behalf of all Senators

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

144th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 8

DESIGNATING AND NAMING INTERSTATE 95 (I-95) THROUGH DELAWARE CONNECTING PENNSYLVANIA AND MARYLAND AS THE "PURPLE HEART TRAIL".

WHEREAS, the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA in the State of Delaware desires to promote principles and objectives of patriotism, fraternalism, history, and the education among the peoples of the State; and

WHEREAS, these principles and objectives of the Order can be expressed in perpetuating the ideals and heritage fostered by General George Washington, who, as the General commanding the military forces of America during the War of the Revolution, established and awarded the Badge of Military Merit now known as the Purple Heart decoration; and

WHEREAS, it is a typical practice for national heroes and patriots to be honored by the naming of national and state landmarks for them; and

WHEREAS, the opportunity exists in the State of Delaware for the citizenry to honor combat-wounded veterans who are recipients of the Purple Heart Medal (being both deceased and living) which was established by General George Washington on August 7, 1782 at Newburg-on-the-Hudson; and

WHEREAS, the State of Delaware and the United States Government have highway systems in the First State that are conducive for the establishment of a parallel trail to recognize the heritage of General George Washington and the sacrifices of Delaware veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives and the Senate of the 144^th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, with the approval of the Governor, that a Purple Heart Trail be established to honor Delaware’s combat killed and wounded veterans awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Purple Heart Trail be designated to start at the border of the State of Pennsylvania, proceeding parallel to Interstate Highway 95 from the Pennsylvania border to the Maryland border.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Governor of the State of Delaware issue a Proclamation establishing the Purple Heart Trail on August 7, 2007, the date set aside annually as the date the Purple Heart Medal was established, and directing the assistance of the Delaware Department of Transportation and others as required to provide assistance in such trail establishment.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate ceremony opening the Purple Heart Trail be held to honor those fallen and living veterans who have borne the battle and suffer the effects of same.