(UPDATED WITH VIDEO) Purple Heart Interchange Unveiling Ceremony Today

The unveiling of a sign designating the Exit 48 interchange of Interstate 79 in Washington County as the Purple Heart Interchange will be held today.

The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. at the Southpointe Park and Ride at the intersection of Southpointe Boulevard and Morganza Road, , D-Cecil, confirmed.

The Purple Heart Interchange came about from the enactment of legislation sponsored by White and co-sponsored by then-Rep. , who has since moved to the state Senate.

The state Department of Transportation is installing the signs on the entrances to the interchange, though the ceremonial unveiling will take place at the Park and Ride for safety precautions.

The Purple Heart is awarded to U.S. military personnel who are wounded or killed by enemy action. Since the modern version of the medal was instituted in 1932, it is estimated that more than 800,000 have been issued.

The location of the Purple Heart Interchange is considered especially appropriate given its proximity to the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, White said.

He added that participants at the unveiling will include local veterans and veterans' organizations, along with state, county and local elected officials.