Wasta in Pennington County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Purple Heart Memorial Highway
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, September 27, 2018
1. Purple Heart Memorial Highway Marker
On May 24, 2012, the South Dakota DOT's Transportation Commission officially declared Interstate 90 from the Minnesota border to the Wyoming border as South Dakota's segment of the National Purple Heart Trail. The Purple Heart Trail was established in 1992 by the Military Order of the Purple Heart to be a symbolic trail throughout all 50 states and U.S. territories to commemorate and honor all men and women who have been wounded or killed in combat while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The Trail originates in Mt. Vernon, Virginia, which is the burial location of George Washington. The Purple Heart Medal was specifically a combat decoration and is our Nation's oldest military medal. It was first created by General George Washington in 1782 and was known as the Badge of Military Merit. The Purple Heart Medal is awarded to members of the armed forces of the United States who have either been wounded or killed in action by an enemy of the United States. The purpose of the Purple Heart Trail is to create a symbolic and honorary system of roads, highways, bridges and other monuments that give tribute to men and women who have received the Purple Heart Medal.
"As you travel the Purple Heart Trails, please take a moment to remember the sacrifices that have been paid for the nation's freedom."
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Location. 44° 3.888′ N, 102° 26.049′ W. Marker is in Wasta, South Dakota, in Pennington County. Marker is on Interstate 90 at milepost 100. Marker is at the parking lot of the rest area/overlook. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wasta SD 57791, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 17 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Cheyenne River Rest Area (within shouting distance of this marker); Missouri River (approx. 0.3 miles away); World's Only Corn Palace - Mitchell (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Cheyenne River Rest Area (approx. 0.3 miles away); Native American Culture (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Carrol McDonald Post No. 246 (approx. 10.7 miles away); Born of Volcanos (approx. 16.8 miles away); The Big Badlands (approx. 16.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wasta.
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, September 27, 2018
2. Purple Heart Memorial Highway Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2018. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2018, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 154 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 1, 2018, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
