Highway of Heros

A section of U.S. Highway 70 between Patton Cove Rd. (I-40, exit 59 in Swannanoa) and Grovestone Rd. has officially been designated as the “Highway of Heroes.”  The designation honors our veterans and the many military families who travel this section of roadway en route to the Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain.

The new “Highway of Heroes” signs were unveiled as part of the dedication ceremony, held at Harley Davidson in Swannanoa on August 12.  The sign pictured above is located on U.S. 70 in front of the new CVS pharmacy.  The “Highway of Heroes” is part of the national system of Blue Star Memorial Highways.

The road designation was the culmination of efforts among many organizations and individuals, including the Swannanoa Business Association, the Buncombe County Veterans Council and other local veterans’ groups, the Department of Transportation, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, Rep. Tim Moffitt, and Swannanoa resident and veteran Gary Aiken.

Local residents and businesses are invited to sponsor flags ($50 each) that will line the highway during military funerals and other events.  A number of flags have already been installed, especially around the Patton Cove Rd./U.S. 70 intersection.  For more info about flag sponsorships, call 337-4718.

To see the WLOS-TV news story about the Highway of Heroes dedication, click here.