Highway 101 now part of the 'Purple Heart Trail'

Posted: Apr 23, 2010 9:08 PM by Bethany Tucker
Updated: Apr 23, 2010 9:08 PM

Hwy 101 now part of the Purple Heart Trail

A portion of Highway 101 is now a part of a symbolic system of roads in the United States that's meant to honor military men and women who were hurt in combat.

Friday morning was the groundbreaking and dedication ceremony for the Purple Heart Trail. Local veterans came out to see the first trail marker be installed at the intersection of Highways 41 and 101 in Atascadero.

"Ever since I got back from Vietnam, I felt it was important to recognize the sacrifices our veterans, our service people have made, protecting our freedoms," said Tim Haley, a purple heart recipient and one of the driving forces behind the trail. "they defend the freedoms of others around the world. It honors those who were wounded or killed in combat." Haley says the trail is a way to memorialize those killed or hurt in service of their country. Years ago, he approved Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee to see about getting legislation to bring the Purple Heart Trail to the Central Coast. Last year, that legislation was passed. That's when Haley and some of his friends went to work to raise cash to bring the trail to the area.

"What we're trying to do beyond the honoring of the veterans who received the purple heart, we're honoring their families of the ones who were killed," said Haley.

A total of 10 Purple Heart Trail signs will be installed on Highway 101, through three counties. The trail originates in Virginia, and more than 20 states have implemented the trail.