SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WREX) â€� A major highway in Illinois is being recognized.Â
Senate Joint Resolution 28 designating U.S. Highway 20 as Medal of Honor Highway unanimously passed as Illinois joins the effort to rename the 3,365 miles of Highway 20 spanning the nation from the Pacific to Atlantic Oceans.
The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest award for military valor in action. Since the Civil War, 3,511 service men and one woman have received the honor, and 66 are still living today.
Illinois has been home to 199 Medal of Honor recipients including several from southern Illinois: Matthew Arlington Batson of Anna, Clyde Lee Choate of West Frankfort, George Hobday of Pulaski County, Kenneth Michael Kays of Mt. Vernon, Joseph William Ozbourn of Herrin, and Richard G. Wilson of Marion.
for a full list of those from Illinois.Â
“This partnership of states honoring their Medal of Honor recipients amplifies our deep appreciation and recognition of their heroism,� said IDVA Director Terry Prince. “Highway 20 intersects Illinois and connects us to Indiana and Iowa. It is well-traveled by many who will be reminded of those within our state who have fought courageously and selfishly.�
Passing of the Resolution coincides with Vietnam Veterans Day, held each year on March 29th.
About 2,360 recipients or two-thirds (67%) of all 3,508 Medal of Honor awards presented since 1863 are connected with the 12 states connecting Highway 20: Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts.
Oregon initiated the effort and states have followed as the Medal of Honor flag has been transported from state to state by the state chapters of the American Legion.
Other veteran partners include the VFW, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Military Officers Association of America, and state coalitions of veterans� groups.
The Illinois Department of Transportation will begin erecting the Medal of Honor Highway signs across the state.
