MADISON— State Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and State Representative Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc) today celebrated the signing of Act 91 to designate Hwy 21 from Sparta to Oshkosh – through Necedah – as a Purple Heart Memorial Highway.
Sen. Marklein and Rep. Kurtz invited the Governor to sign the bill they authored in Necedah on Veterans Day to celebrate, recognize and above all, thank, the veterans of Wisconsin. The Governor visited the Necedah Veterans Memorial Hall for the bill signing. The bill was initiated by veterans from Necedah, led by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Commander James Starr.
“I am honored to have led this legislation to create a new Purple Heart Memorial Highway in our community,” Rep. Kurtz said. “It’s fitting that the Governor signs this legislation on Veterans Day. This Highway is a well-deserved tribute to all our veterans, particularly those that earned the Purple Heart Medal with literally their blood, sweat, and tears.”
“I am grateful for the Governor’s willingness to take us up on our invitation to sign this legislation on Veterans Day in our community!” Sen. Marklein said. “I support commemorative highways and bridges because they give us a fantastic opportunity to recognize and remember the history of our communities. They create an opening for a conversation with our children and grandchildren as we travel throughout the state.”
Act 91 designates Hwy 21 from Sparta to Oshkosh as a Purple Heart Memorial Highway. Commemorative signage will be installed on this roadway as a part of the Memorial.
US Highway 14 from Richland Center to the Minnesota state line is also a Purple Heart Memorial Highway. According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), Wisconsin has more than 40 memorial highways and bridges to honor individuals, veterans and other groups.
