On 13 May 2003, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius proclaimed the Eisenhower Interstate Highway System in Kansas the "Purple Heart Trail." The trail memorializes service members who received the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in defense of the nation and honors the patriotic American heritage associated with General George Washington, the father of the country. It is a project of The Military Order of the Purple Heart, an organization made up of patriots wounded in combat while serving the United State of America. The organization promotes patriotism, dedication to duty, respect, fraternalism, history, and education. The Purple Heart Trail parallels the interstate highways and does not replace existing names and tributes to individuals and organizations.