The WWII Veterans Historic Highway

A new law resulting from Senate Bill 449 requires Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to install WORLD WAR II VETERANS HISTORIC HIGHWAY signs near  former WWII training sites on US Highway 97  and SR 126. Funding will be provided by veterans, local governments, historical groups,  and the public. The Bend based WORLD WAR II VETERANS HISTORIC HIGHWAY COMMITTEE requested the legislation.

The objectives of the new sign program are to honor WWII veterans and inform the traveling public about vital WWII training sites served by two major highways east of the Cascades: US 97 from the Columbia River to the Oregon/California border and State Route 126 from Redmond to Prineville. US 97 is known as The Dalles-California Highway. It is also designated a Blue Star Memorial Highway. Those names are not changed by the new “honorary” designation.

Quoting from Governor Kulongoski’s press release -  “It (the highway) will be a living symbol of our state and our values and honor the service,  sacrifice and dedication of Oregon World War II veterans......This designation honors the Band of Brothers - the trainers, the troops, and all the men and women involved in helping our nation prepare for battle during World War II,… And it honors the vital role of central Oregon and communities along U.S. 97 where during WW II military training sites were established, ensuring our soldiers were adequately prepared."