Public Chapter 49

SENATE BILL NO. 1647

By Crowe, Carter, Harper, Williams, Dixon

Substituted for: House Bill No. 1434

By Patton, Ford, Ralph Cole, Kent, Davis, Boner, Gunnels

AN ACT To designate U.S. Highway 70 in Tennessee as the "American Ex-Prisoners of War Highway".

WHEREAS, Many patriotic Tennessee citizens have served meritoriously in the Armed Forces of the United States of America in conflicts necessary to preserve the liberty and independence of this nation and to promote and project the democratic, freedom-loving values championed by this country; and

WHEREAS, Certain of these Tennessee veterans suffered wounds, often with imminent danger to their lives and with grievous pain, while engaged in combat with and/or being held prisoner by the enemy; and

WHEREAS, These citizen-soldiers in many cases continued heroic determination and effectiveness, while ignoring their intense physical pain and the constant threat to their very lives; they staunchly refused to divulge information to aid the enemy; and

WHEREAS, The United States of America reserves a special combat decoration for those held prisoners of war, The Prisoner of War Medal; and

WHEREAS, Several hundred Tennessee citizens have been awarded The Prisoner of War Medal for their sacrifice in service to America, their fellow citizens, their combat units and their comrades, and in recognition of their personal suffering and their fierce determination never to capitulate; and

WHEREAS, These Tennessee ex-prisoners of war should be remembered across this great state for their personal endurance without food, without heat, without the essentials of health, and without communication; and

WHEREAS, These courageous soldiers, who suffered great stress and hardship to their minds and bodies while rendering heroic service to their country, should also be specially honored for their patriotic valor in combat; and

WHEREAS, It is appropriate that this legislative body recognize with the most profound gratitude the heroic, patriotic service of all Tennessee ex-prisoners of war across this great state; now, therefore,

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:

SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, U.S. Highway 70 within the boundaries of the State of Tennessee is hereby designated as the "American Ex- Prisoners of War Highway" as a permanent memorial to the patriotism and heroism of these brave veterans and as an expression of our profound gratitude, on behalf of all Tennesseans, for the courageous service and earnest devotion evidenced by ex-prisoners of war, both living and deceased.

SECTION 2. That the Department of Transportation is directed to erect suitable signs or to affix suitable markers of an appropriate color designating U.S. Highway 70 within Tennessee as the "American Ex-Prisoners of War Highway".

SECTION 3. The erection of such signs or markers shall be within the guidelines prescribed by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.