POTEAU, OKLAHOMA – A City Proclamation, declaring itself a Purple Heart City, was presented during a special ceremony on May 7, 2018 during the Poteau City Council meeting on Monday evening.
There are no strict requirements for a city to hold the official title. Rather, it is simply a sign of respect and appreciation for all service members – not just those from the area – who were wounded or killed in action and awarded the Purple Heart. The combat decoration is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who are wounded or killed by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy.
The city will now post a metal sign on each end of Poteau, which designates Poteau as a Purple Heart City.
On hand to present the city with the honor was Don Reed, Military Order of The Purple Heart chapter 589 – Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
The formal City of Poteau Proclamation was read by Mayor Jeff Shockley at the City Council meeting on May 7, 2018 as follows:
The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in use today which evolved from the Badge of Military Merit created in 1782 by General George Washington for the common soldier. The Purple Heart is specifically awarded to any member of the United States Armed Services wounded or killed in combat with a declared enemy of the United States.
WHEREAS, the citizens of Poteau have great admiration and gratitude for the men and women who have selflessly served their country and this city in the Armed Forces and have borne the brunt of battle; and
WHEREAS, veterans have paid the high price of freedom by leaving their families and communities and placing themselves in harms way for the good for all; and
WHEREAS, the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women of Poteau and LeFlore County who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and
WHEREAS, Purple Heart recipients are an integral part of our society, and we believe it is important to acknowledge them for their courage and show them the support they have earned; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is to foster an environment of goodwill initiatives and most importantly, make sure we never forget.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Poteau does hereby proclaim Poteau as a Purple Heart City, honoring the service and sacrifice of our Nation’s men and women in uniform wounded or killed by the enemy while serving to protect the freedoms and enjoyed by all Americans.
Signed by Mayor Jeff Shockley,
May 7, 2018
To learn more about the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Purple Heart Truck Run, visit www.purpleheart.org
City Council with Purple Heart City sign
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