Monroeville to become a Purple Heart Village

Norwalk Reflector, Ohio
·2 min read

Sep. 26—MONROEVILLE — The village of Monroeville will join a number of municipalities and cities across the country in being known as a Purple Heart Village.

This designation, which will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday during a special council session, allows the village to be a part of the Purple Heart Trail, which commemorates military men and women who have been killed or wounded while in combat. Currently, Ohio has about 40 cites/villages and just over 55 entities in all with this designation.

"Monroeville has a long history of brave men and women who have dedicated themselves to the military and our country," Monroeville Mayor Melissa Fries-Seip said. "We would like to honor in a special way those who have received the Purple Heart by becoming a Purple Heart Village. In doing so, we want to draw attention to them so that their sacrifices can be remembered and honored. We have military families, veterans, and retired service members, as well as proud sons and daughters who are actively serving. We deeply appreciate the sacrifices made for all of us by the men and women who serve or have served."

All residents of Monroeville and the surrounding area, especially those who are purple heart recipients and their families, are encouraged to attend this designation and special ceremony by the Military Order of the Purple Heart. This brief event will be held at Clark Park in Monroeville and will be immediately followed by a small dessert reception where Purple Heart awardees and their families can socialize and share stories if they choose. Limited seating will be available for the event. Feel free to bring lawn chairs to this outdoor event. In the event of inclement weather, the 6 p.m. event will be moved to the American Legion Post 547 in Monroeville

"Businesses, individuals and community groups have not only come forward to offer assistance for the event, but will also have an active roll in the ceremony on Tuesday evening," Mayor Fries-Seip said. "The best of Monroeville's dedication, patriotism and sense of community will be on display that night as we come together to recognize those individuals who have received this most prestigious medal."

Purple Heart villages are known for their strong commitment to veterans and those who have received the Purple Heart. Monroeville will be posting signs at the village entryways showing our proud Purple Heart designation after Tuesday.

The Purple Heart medal is the oldest military decoration in present use and was established by Gen. George Washington during the Revolutionary War on Aug. 7, 1782. There are about 1.8 million recipients of this prestigious honor. National Purple Heart Day is recognized annually on Aug. 7. For more information on the Military Order of the Purple Heart, visit purpleheart.org.