Kansas designated the Eisenhower Interstate Highway System in the state as the Purple Heart Trail on May 13, 2003. Dedicated to the memory of 1LT Michael L. Gandy, U.S. Army, who was killed in action in Vietnam on March 29, 1968, the trail honors service members awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in defense of the nation and invokes the American heritage associated with General George Washington. The project was undertaken by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, an organization of combat-wounded patriots in service to the United States of America that promotes patriotism, dedication to duty, respect, fraternalism, history, and education. The Purple Heart Trail parallels the interstate highways in Kansas and does not replace existing names and tributes to individuals and organizations.