Public is invited to Attend Recognition Ceremonies on Sunday August 7

Arnold, Missouri… All military veterans and U.S. citizens are invited to attend special ceremonies on Sunday, August 7, 2016, when the City of Arnold is officially recognized as a “Purple Heart City.”

The Arnold City Council recently passed a resolution to designate Arnold as a Purple Heart City to honor the sacrifices of those wounded or killed by enemies of the U.S. during military action.

Special recognition ceremonies will occur at 2 p.m. at Arnold VFW Post 2593 on “National Purple Heart Day,” which annually commemorates the Purple Heart medal and more than 1.7 million combat-wounded Purple Heart recipients.  

The event is being organized by the Arnold Veteran’s Commission; the Charles W. Foley Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 125; and Arnold VFW Post 2593. The post is located at 2301 Church Road, Arnold, 63010. (Phone 636 296 2611)

The schedule of activities will include:

• Welcome by Butch Bequette, commander, Arnold VFW Post 2593
• Opening Prayer
• Military Color Guard
• Pledge of Allegiance, led by David McArthur, chairman, Arnold Veteran’s Commission
• Remarks by Arnold Mayor Ron Counts
• Presentation of the City Council Resolution to Sidney Staton, commander,  Charles W. Foley Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 125
• Presentation of Purple Heart City plaque to Mayor Counts by Sidney Staton
• Remarks by David McArthur “What the Purple Heart Means to Me”
• Closing prayer and Moment of Silence
• Retire the Colors

The ceremony will be followed by a cash bar, refreshments and celebratory cake for all who attend.

In 1782, George Washington, 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 of veterans’ combat valor. Today, the medal is the oldest U.S. military decoration in use.

The City of Arnold will erect local signage designating its recognition as a Purple Heart City on “The Purple Heart Trail,” which was established by the Military Order of the Purple Heart as a symbolic trail throughout all 50 states to honor men and women who have been wounded or killed in combat while serving in the U.S. armed forces. The Purple Heart Trail originates in Mount Vernon, Virginia, and traverses the U.S. to California.

The Military Order of The Purple Heart is located in Springfield, Virginia.

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