Texas Hopes to Honor Veterans with Major Highway Name Change

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Adobe Stock/Photocreo Bednarek/stock.adobe.com
Texas Hopes to Honor Veterans with Major Highway Name Change

A new initiative to honor Texas veterans is moving forward in the state legislature. A portion of U.S. Highway 69 in Smith County is set to be renamed the “Veterans Memorial Highway” through a bill filed by Senator Brian Hughes. This legislation, supported by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, aims to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served in the U.S. military.

The bill designates the stretch of U.S. Highway 69 from South State Loop 323 to the northern municipal limits of Bullard as the Veterans Memorial Highway. In addition to the name change, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will install markers along the highway to commemorate the veterans this designation honors. These markers will be placed at both ends of the highway and at key points along the route, ensuring the legacy of veterans is visible for all to see.

If signed into law by the Governor, the designation will take effect on September 1, 2025. This legislation will serve as a lasting tribute to veterans, not only in Smith County but for the entire state of Texas, ensuring that the sacrifices of the men and women who served are never forgotten.

This is part of a broader movement across the country, with other states also dedicating highways and infrastructure to honor their veterans. For example, Florida has designated portions of U.S. Highway 1 as the “Veterans Memorial Highway,” and California has dedicated several highways, including the “Veterans Memorial Highway” and the “Purple Heart Trail.” New York, Ohio, and Georgia have also followed suit with similar designations. These efforts ensure that veterans are remembered and respected in both public spaces and the very infrastructure that connects communities.

As Texas joins this growing trend, the Veterans Memorial Highway in Smith County will stand as a permanent symbol of appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans.


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