Most people have never heard of Purple Heart Day, which takes place annually on August 7th to commemorate the medals origins and the more than 1.8 million Purple Heart recipients.
In 1782, George Washington, then the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, created the Badge of Military Merit, today known as the Purple Heart medal. It represented Washington’s respect and acknowledgment of veterans’ combat valor. Today, more than 236 years later, the medal is the oldest U.S. military decoration still in use. The Purple Heart medal is a combat decoration that is awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces who are wounded by the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action.
To honor our combat wounded veterans, the City of Danbury will be installing three 24” by 30” reflective aluminum signs in Rogers Park that will display the City of Danbury seal, the Purple Heart medal and the wording “PURPLE HEART CITY”. Danbury was declared a Purple Heart City, the fourth city in the state to be designated with such an honor, on August 7th, 2016 with a proclamation that was given by Mayor Mark Boughton to John Kwiatkowski, the State Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Danbury resident Lee Teicholz who coordinated the effort to have the signs installed stated, “It’s only fitting that these signs be placed in the vicinity of the war memorials and the Patrick R. Waldron Veterans Hall to show our Purple Heart recipients that we appreciate the sacrifices that they have made for us.”
Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton stated, “Danbury has a large, highly decorated veteran population including many Purple Heart recipients and appreciates the sacrifices the Purple Heart recipients made in defending our freedoms and believes it is important that we acknowledge them for their courage and show them the honor and support they have earned.” Two reserved parking spaces for Purple Heart recipients have been installed at the Danbury War Memorial. The Danbury War Memorial Association also donated the signs to the city. “Signage that helps increase the awareness and support of veterans, including Purple Heart recipients, is in line with the mission of the Danbury War Memorial and we are happy to have provided funding for this effort,” said Justin Calitro, Executive Director of the Danbury War Memorial.