LEON, Kan. (AP) _ Veterans were on hand for the dedication of an 18 1/2-mile stretch of U.S. 400 as the "Atomic Veterans Memorial Highway.'' It's the nation's first such recognition of U.S. military veterans exposed to radiation during atomic weapons testing from 1945 to 1963.

Groups have been working for recognition of atomic veterans since 1996, when the Atomic Secrets Act was lifted and they were finally free to talk about their experiences.

Kansas is home to about 130 atomic veterans. Many are seeking additional benefits to help atomic veterans deal with illness caused by radiation.

The stretch of U.S. 400 - from U.S. 77 in Augusta east to the Butler County line - was dedicated Friday and received the designation in a bill that became law last year.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)