Rock Island Today

Illinois State Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) recently spoke in support of legislation that would rename part of Interstate 57 to honor veterans of the Korean War.

Introduced by Rep. Dan Swanson last month, HJR 88 names a part of Interstate 57 in Benton, Ill. as the “38th Parallel Korean Veteran Highway,” according to the Illinois General Assembly. HJR 88 passed unanimously in the House. 

"Today, I present House Joint Resolution 88. House Joint Resolution 88 is somewhat of a unique resolution," Swanson said on the House floor on April 8 during debate. "Last week, we celebrated the welcoming home of Vietnam veterans. This past week, we recognized all those who died in battle and Memorial Day Services. House Joint Resolution 88 recognizes the heroes that fought and served in Korea by naming a part of Interstate 57 within the limits of Benton, Ill. as the 38th Parallel Korean Veteran Highway."

Illinois State Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) | repswanson.com

"The 38th parallel is very significant to the warriors of Korea, as that is where the DMZ, the Demilitarized Zone, was established. In honor of the nearly 33,700 soldiers, sailors and marines, and Air Force personnel that were killed and more than 100,000 were wounded in the Korean conflict. Franklin County shares a unique latitude line, the 38th parallel, and with that historical boundary, we'd like to place a sign recognizing and honoring those veterans with the sign simply saying ‘38th Parallel Korean Veteran Highway. Thank You.’"

"The Korean War played an important part in American history and the veterans of the Korean War have earned our respect and admiration. I asked you to join me in extending that recognition and appreciation and pass this joint resolution establishing Interstate 57 at the 38th parallel of the Korean Veteran Highway."

HJR 88 has now been sent to the Senate and referred to the Senate Assignments Committee.