A “Purple Heart City” is a municipality that officially honors local military personnel wounded or killed in combat.
The title is awarded through the Military Order of the Purple Heart, a national veterans organization.
To earn and maintain this designation, a city must complete several steps:
1)Official Proclamation: The mayor or city council must issue a formal proclamation declaring the city a “Purple Heart City” and present it to the local chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
2)National Purple Heart Day: The city must formally recognize August 7 as Purple Heart Day, aligning with the anniversary of the military decoration established by George Washington in 1782.
3)Public Signage: Municipalities typically install official “Purple Heart City” signs at major entrances to the town, demonstrating the community’s commitment to supporting military veterans.
Veterans Initiatives: Many designated cities go a step further by offering specific local resources, such as memorial monuments, veteran parking programs, or specialized advisory committees.