093_HJ0009 LRB093 07812 LCB 08001 r 1 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 2 WHEREAS, Throughout history brave Americans have shed 3 their blood during wars and conflicts to preserve, protect, 4 and defend the foundation of the principles of democracy and 5 freedom, and hundreds of thousands have paid the ultimate 6 sacrifice to ensure that future generations enjoy life's 7 liberties; and 8 WHEREAS, On August 7, 1782, General George Washington 9 established the Military Badge of Merit, which on February 10 22, 1932 became the present and now the oldest military 11 decoration in the world, the Purple Heart medal; and 12 WHEREAS, The Purple Heart medal is awarded to all 13 military personnel who are killed or wounded in action 14 against the enemy; therefore, be it 15 RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 16 NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE 17 SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that Interstate 72, traversing 18 through the heart of Illinois, be designated as the 19 commemorative "Purple Heart Memorial Highway", to pay tribute 20 to the many thousands of Illinois residents who have been 21 awarded the Purple Heart medal; and be it further 22 RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation 23 is requested to erect at suitable locations, consistent with 24 State and federal regulations, an appropriate plaque or signs 25 giving notice of the name; and be it further 26 RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 27 delivered to the Secretary of Transportation.