U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Ron Wyden have announced the passage of their bipartisan bill, S.1478, by the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation aims to designate U.S. Highway 20 as the "National Medal of Honor Highway." This highway stretches from Oregon to Massachusetts and will serve as a tribute to Medal of Honor recipients across 12 states.
The bill had previously passed unanimously in the U.S. Senate in December 2023 and now awaits President Joe Biden's signature to become law.
"Idaho’s veterans enrich our communities through service past and present," stated Senator Crapo. "This 3,000-mile recognition ensures all Medal of Honor recipients are honored across 12 states for many years to come."
Senator Wyden added, "Our veterans in Oregon and throughout America deserve every honor we can bestow on them for their brave service to our nation."
The Medal of Honor is the highest military award for valor in the United States, presented by the president on behalf of Congress. It recognizes servicemembers who demonstrate "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty."
Redesignating U.S. Highway 20 would honor both current and future Medal of Honor recipients from all states who travel along this route.
In March 2019, Idaho designated its section of U.S. Highway 20 as the Idaho Medal of Honor Highway. Other states along this route have also followed suit, covering all 3,365 miles with similar designations.
The bill has garnered support from various organizations including the Bend Heroes Foundation, Military Officers Association of America, The American Legion, Legion of Valor, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Vietnam Veterans of America, Medal of Honor Historical Society of the United States, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
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