Anchorage Daily News

JUNEAU -- A bill on its way to Gov. Sarah Palin would designate the Alaska Highway from Fairbanks to the Canadian border a part of the nationwide "Purple Heart Trail."

The bill passed the state House of Representatives 39-0 Thursday, and a Senate version previously passed 19-0.

The Purple Heart is awarded to soldiers who are killed or wounded by enemy fire. Forty-four states have included part or all of their interstate highway system in the honorary designation, according to a press release from state Rep. Berta Gardner, D-Anchorage and the sponsor of the House measure.

"Over 100,000 veterans and active duty soldiers and airmen call Alaska home," Gardner said in the release. "And recognizing the sacrifices they have made is a natural fit for our state."

The Senate sponsor, Anchorage Democrat Sen. Johnny Ellis, noted that the Alaska Highway was built by the U.S. military during World War II and is "the perfect choice for this designation."

The House also adopted a letter of intent to ensure that the Black Veteran's Memorial Bridge over the Gerstle River is recognized on the Purple Heart Trail, the release said. The bridge was named by the Legislature in 1993 in honor of segregated battalions that played a significant role in building the highway.

The bill awaits Palin's signature.

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