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Aug. 7 ceremony to honor Purple Heart recipients

Proclamations will declare the region a Purple Heart Community

The community and local veterans will come together on Aug. 7 to pay tribute to recipients of the Purple Heart, a military service decoration that honors men and women who have been wounded or died in combat.

The ceremony will be 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 7, at Pybus Public Market, 3 N. Worthen St. in Wenatchee.

Purple Heart recipients from around Chelan and Douglas counties, as well as family members of someone who has received a Purple Heart, are invited to attend the special event, which is being organized by the Chelan County Veterans Program. The public is also invited.

Also attending the event will be a variety of agencies that serve veterans. The event will include the Presentation of Colors by Wenatchee Valley VFW Post 3617 and American Legion Post 10. Light refreshments will be served.

“We plan to make this an annual community event, honoring those people who have sacrificed their own well-being for the cause of freedom and democracy,” said John Tamngin, veterans services officer for Chelan County. “We encourage everyone to join us in honoring Purple Heart recipients and to show support for our efforts to become an official Purple Heart Community.”

The Purple Heart, originally called the Badge of Military Merit but later renamed in 1932, is the oldest military decoration in present use. It is the first American Service award of decoration made available to the common soldier and is specifically awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have been wounded or died in combat. In 1991, the state Legislature passed Senate Bill 5718, recognizing the Aug. 7 as a day to pay tribute to those who hold the distinction of having been awarded the Purple Heart.

At the local ceremony, elected officials with Chelan and Douglas counties and the cities of East Wenatchee and Wenatchee will read from a proclamation, declaring each area a Purple Heart City or County. Signed proclamations then will be given to Purple Heart recipients who attend.

A Purple Heart City or County is one that officially recognizes recipients of the Purple Heart. Each municipality will then notify the Purple Heart Trail organization so the communities can be listed on their websites. In addition, local jurisdictions then can install road signs, marking the designation.

“We’re not only excited for the ceremony on Aug. 7 but also for the efforts that will follow, showing that our region supports its veterans and especially Purple Heart recipients and their families,” Tamngin said. “It’s the least we can do for people who have sacrificed so much.”

Last Updated: 08/08/2024 10:17 AM

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