MADISON– Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay) and Representative Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) released the following statements after a bill they authored to allow the Oneida Nation to place signs related to their designation as a ‘Purple Heart Reservation’ in state highway rights-of-way was signed into law today as 2021 Wisconsin Act 202:
“It takes great courage and selflessness to serve your country,” said Rep. Steineke. “This measure ensures the Oneida Nation will be able to properly acknowledge the contributions of its members who have served and sacrificed for their country, and these brave soldiers will be able to get the recognition they deserve.”
“The Oneida Nation has a long history of bravery and valor in service to the United States that dates back centuries and continues through today, and unfortunately some have suffered injury in service to this country,” said Senator Cowles. “I am eternally grateful to all the men and women who have served in the military, especially Oneida Nation members who have served under two flags to protect one home. It was great to be able to work on this bill with Representative Steineke to simply ensure that the Oneida Nation can honor their status as a Purple Heart Reservation by removing the hurdle preventing sign placement along highways.”
2021 Wisconsin Act 202 was drafted and introduced after hearing from the Oneida Nation with a request for this minor change to state law to allow the placement of signs denoting the Oneida Nation as a Purple Heart Reservation, particularly on State Highway 54 by the Oneida Veteran’s Memorial Wall. For more information on the designation of the Oneida Nation as a Purple Heart Reservation and the known history of some Purple Heart recipients from the Oneida Nation, please visit the Oneida Nation’s website.
