HR1437 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1437 LRB096 23992 GRL 43394 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, U.S. Route 20 is the longest road in the United States, stretching over 3,300 miles; the route's easternmost point is in Boston, Massachusetts and its westernmost point is in Newport, Oregon; and

WHEREAS, A national effort to dedicate U.S. 20 in its entirety as the "Highway of Fallen Heroes" has been undertaken by several veterans groups in numerous states along the route; the groups have experienced success in the designation of this route in other states; and

WHEREAS, U.S. 20 connects metropolitan areas in the State of Illinois and serves as a major arterial highway for those traveling east to west, or west to east, along the northern portion of the State; this highway connects the far northwest portion of Illinois, just east of Dubuque, Iowa, to the South Side of Chicago, just west of Gary, Indiana; and

WHEREAS, In honor of the ultimate sacrifice paid by so many of our troops throughout history, it is fitting to dedicate the longest route in America as the "Highway of Fallen Heroes" as a humble gesture of thanks for the freedoms we enjoy on a daily basis; and

WHEREAS, In accordance with the words spoken over the fallen at Gettysburg by a former representative from Illinois, let us "never forget" our fallen heroes; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate the segment of U.S. 20 that crosses the State of Illinois as the "Highway of Fallen Heroes" and encourage the other 11 states along the route to adopt similar measures to show support for veterans groups and the men and women serving our country today; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation is requested to erect, consistent with State and federal regulations, signs displaying the ceremonial designation of U.S. 20 as the "Highway of Fallen Heroes"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Secretary of Transportation and to the Illinois chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the American Veterans, the United Service Organizations, the Disabled American Veterans, the Korean War Veterans Association, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Vietnam Veterans of America as a symbol of our esteem and respect.