Koering to sponsor bill to name 371 the Purple Heart Memorial Highway
Flanked by four Purple Heart recipients and the Brainerd VFW and American Legion color guards, Sen. Paul Koering on Friday said he'll introduce legislation to designate most of Highway 371 as the Purple Heart Memorial Highway.
Koering, R-Fort Ripley, said renaming the highway would be a fitting tribute to the thousands of men and women who have earned the combat decoration for those who were wounded, killed in action or who died from wounds received in action.
"We will never forget the gift of freedom," Koering said.
The designation would affect all of Highway 371 with the exception of the Brainerd bypass segment designated in honor of C. Elmer Anderson, a former governor and Brainerd mayor.
Koering, who represents portions of Morrison and Crow Wing counties, said the highway designation was appropriate since it runs past Camp Ripley and the Minnesota Veterans Cemetery. Anticipating broad support for the legislation, Koering said a series of signs would be erected, informing motorists of the designation. He said Rep. Greg Blaine, R-Little Falls, will carry the bill in the House.
Koering said he hopes the designation will increase the visibility of Purple Heart recipients and veterans. He said other states have honored Purple Heart recipients by designating memorial highways, but this would be the first such highway in Minnesota.
Also rallying behind the legislative proposal were Baxter Mayor Darrel Olson and Brainerd Mayor James Wallin.
"This would be an everlasting tribute," Wallin said of the highway.
Olson said the city of Baxter would be honored to back Koering's legislation. "We appreciate the dedication of our soldiers," Olson said.
David Swantek, director of the Minnesota Veterans Cemetery, said the designation would be a lasting tribute to Purple Heart recipients, including a new generation of heroes who are currently in the armed forces.
MIKE O'ROURKE can be reached at mike.orourke@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5860.