Clarksville, TN – On Thursday, June 13th, 2019, the City of Clarksville was designated as a “Purple Heart City” by a proclamation issued by Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts and encourages gratitude for local service members and veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart.
The proclamation was presented to Mark Stuart, a local member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart who has worked for several years to have the City formally recognize Purple Heart recipients.
“I want to thank Mayor Pitts and the Council for this proclamation,” Stuart said at Thursday’s City Council meeting. “This shows the City’s support for troops and veterans, and especially our wounded veterans. And we’re not finished. We’re working to have Tennessee designated as a Purple Heart State.”
Shaw said the Order’s efforts have led to designation of a segment U.S. Highway 41A as the Purple Heart Trail. The City and Montgomery County also have placed signs on some public parking spaces, reserving them for Purple Heart recipients. Shaw said the City has also agreed to place signs on key gateways to the community, noting the Purple Heart City designation.
The Military Order of the Purple Heart is a congressionally-chartered veterans’ organization whose members have been awarded the Purple Heart medal. Founded in 1957, the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation raises money to support veterans and their families.
Here is the full City of Clarksville proclamation:
Proclamation
Purple Heart City
WHEREAS, the Purple Heart was created as the Badge of Military Merit by General George Washington in 1782 and is the oldest military decoration in present use; and
WHEREAS, the Purple Heart is awarded to men and women of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives or were wounded in combat with an enemy force or by an act of international terrorism; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is to foster an environment of goodwill among combat-wounded Veterans and their families, promote patriotism, support legislative initiatives, and most importantly to make certain we never forget; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of the City of Clarksville acknowledge the sacrifices our Purple Heart recipients have made defending our freedom and believe it is encumbered upon us to thank them for their service and show them the honor and respect they deserve.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Joe Pitts, Mayor, do hereby proclaim the City of Clarksville, Tennessee as a
PURPLE HEART CITY
and encourage all citizens to show their gratitude for the service and sacrifice given by members of our community who have been awarded the Purple Heart.
