Presentation on National Medal of Honor Highway highlights Bend’s role in coast‑to‑coast designation

Tobias, chairman of the Ben Harris Foundation, briefed the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners on June 4 about the National Medal of Honor Highway and the group’s work to convert state signage and coordinate nationwide dedications.

The presenter said the project began in Oregon in 2017 and that Oregon’s state law inspired a federal effort. He told the board that Sen. Ron Wyden’s Senate bill moved through the Senate and that President Joe Biden signed the final law; plaques and sign changes are now being implemented on roadways that run through Deschutes County and other states.

Why it matters: The project creates a continuous, coast‑to‑coast recognition of Medal of Honor recipients by overlaying a national designation on existing highway signs. Organizers say signs and associated ceremonies are intended to honor veterans and to create public visibility for Medal of Honor recipients across jurisdictions.

Details from the briefing - The presenter said volunteers and ODOT crews have installed dozens of signs across Oregon and that the program has produced a consistent sign standard shared with other states. He said volunteers installed 12 signs and that four of those are in Deschutes County (two west of Bend and two east of Bend). The presenter said there are 94 signs nationwide under the current program model. - The presenter said Sen. Wyden’s effort (referred to in the briefing as bill “14 78”) advanced through the Senate and that signatures from the White House finalized the federal recognition. He described providing framed copies of the federal enactment to Medal of Honor recipients at a National Medal of Honor Summit. - ODOT staff and volunteers presented placards to county officials converting the Oregon designation to a national overlay on local signs. The presenter identified ODOT staff in the room as contributors to sign installation and maintenance. - Organizers described a planned national motorcycle ride to mark the highway’s dedications: the group expects to travel across the country next year and to be in Deschutes County on June 13 with a planned finish in Newport on June 14 (Flag Day), organizers said.

Questions and next steps Board members thanked the presenter and ODOT staff and expressed support. The presenter said volunteers will replace some Oregon‑only wording on county signs with “National” placards and that organizers will keep the county updated on final dates and logistics for next year’s cross‑country ride.

No formal action or county vote was taken on the item during the meeting. The briefing served to inform the board about the federal law, local sign changes and planned commemorations.