[Caltrans] – Just in time for Veterans Day, the California Department of Transportation, in partnership with Chapter 750 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, State Senator Hannah‑Beth Jackson, and Ventura County Supervisor Kathy Long, installed Purple Heart Trail signs along US Highway 101 in Ventura to mark the sacrifices and contributions of veterans to this country. This segment, which is part of a larger network across the nation, covers the entire length of Ventura County on US Highway 101. The 36-mile segment in Santa Barbara County just north of this segment was designated in 2010.

“The Purple Heart Trail is a visual reminder on tangible turf of the long road that these soldiers traveled in order to preserve our freedom and way of life. It is only fitting to honor them with designations along our highways and byways,” said Caltrans District 7 Director Carrie Bowen.

“It is an honor for Caltrans to erect this marker designating this additional portion of U.S. 101 as the Purple Heart Trail to honor those men and women who have been injured or lost their lives defending our country,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “Many Caltrans employees have also served in the Armed Forces or have family members who have served, and this designation is another special way we can pay tribute to them and say thank you for their sacrifices.”

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 27 (Jackson, Resolution Chapter 88, Statutes of 2013) established specified portions of US Highway 101 in the counties of Santa Barbara and Ventura for inclusion in the National Purple Heart Trail.

Private donations organized by Chapter 750 Military Order of the Purple Heart funded the cost for the signs.

The Purple Heart Trail was established in 1992 by the congressionally sanctioned Military Order of the Purple Heart to be a symbolic trail throughout all 50 states to commemorate and honor all men and women who have been wounded or given their lives in combat while serving in the U.S. armed forces. The Purple Heart Trail originates in Mount Vernon, Virginia, and traverses the United States to California.