More than three years ago, the newly organized Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 765 first requested state officials rename State Route 93 in Lawrence County as a memorial to the men and women who have been injured or killed in service to their country.

Saturday, their dream became a reality. Against the backdrop of a cold, windy morning, Ironton Mayor Bob Cleary and Ohio Department of Transportation route worker Tim Bentley unveiled one of two signs that officially proclaim the roadway's new significance.

One sign is on State Route 93 at the Ironton city limits faces northbound traffic. Another just inside the Lawrence-Jackson line greets southbound traffic.

"It took 3 years, more than three years," said Ronald McFann, Chapter 765 Commander. "But it's here now, not only for the dead but for those who are alive." He thanked Cleary, the Lawrence County Commission, and the township trustees who gave their support to the idea. McFann, a U.S. Army veteran who was wounded in action in Vietnam said seeing the sign brings back a lot of memories.

It did as well for others who attended the ceremony. Decatur Township Trustee Ralph Cox said his community lost a couple of young men during the Vietnam conflict. He thought of them Saturday.

"I'm here to give my support to this," Cox said, noting that his township was the first to complete and submit the paperwork to state transportation officials, asking for the roadway's special designation. "I hope they (Purple Heart recipients) feel a bit better. I hope people see this and remember what the Purple Heart is for, that people paid a price for the freedom we've got."

Danny Wagner of Ironton attended the unveiling with his wife, Fern, and daughter Debbie Rogers.

All three are all involved with the local Purple Heart chapter. Rogers and her mother belong to the Ladies' Auxiliary. Danny Wagner is a Korean Conflict veteran.

"I had a lot of friends that didn't come back," Wagner said. "They were good men. This is for those that didn't come home."

Robert Taylor, of Ironton wore his purple cap and stood alongside his fellow chapter members. A World War II veteran, Taylor saw combat in Europe with the US. Army's 4th Infantry.

"I'm glad the state did this for us," Taylor said. "The Purple Heart people are all appreciative." In spite of the time and effort it took to have the highway renamed, Taylor said he was satisfied.

"It was worth the wait," he said

"It brings tears to my eyes," Chapter 765 Senior Vice Commander Charles Meadows said. He said during the ceremony he thought of his father, grandfather and friends, all of whom served their country as he did. Meadows said he hoped that as families drive by these signs, parents will explain to their children what the signs mean.

"I hope parents know what it means," Meadows said. "They can go on the Internet and look up www.purpleheart.org, and it's a history lesson, anything they want to know. I hope they read and learn."

In a brief address to the assembly, Meadows said the honor was created by George Washington during the American Revolution as a way of honoring the common soldier for bravery on the battlefield.

The push to rename the State Route 93 began in 1999, when the group approached 17th District State Sen. Mike Shoemaker with the idea. Shoemaker put his support behind the proposal, and then sent it to State Senate President Richard Finan for referral to the various necessary committees before going to the full senate and house for approval.

Progress stalled at that point. A spokeswoman for Finan said the bill was approved by the Highways and Transportation Committee June 27, 2001, and was then sent to the Senate Rules Committee, where it languished for months.

Local leaders then discovered they could bypass the state legislature and petition ODOT directly with their request.

In September, ODOT Director Gordon Proctor sent a letter advising the request had been granted.

Chapter 765 Senior Vice Commander Charles Meadows said local leaders are also lining up behind a national proposal to re name U.S. 52, from the east coast to the west, the national Purple Heart Trail. A measure that would affect this change is currently making its way through the U.S. Congress.

McFann said the local chapter has approximately 26 members, approximately 15 are active. He would like to see more Purple Hearts get involved with the organization.

"I know they're out there and they're welcome. Even if the recipient has passed away, we have a Ladies Auxiliary for their wives."