Agenda Summary
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That this City Council declares Somerville a Purple Heart Community and recognizes August 7 annually as Purple Heart Day.
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Official Text
WHEREAS, the people of Somerville, Massachusetts have great admiration and the utmost gratitude for all the citizens of our community who have selflessly served in the Armed Forces that has been vital in maintaining the freedom and the way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and
WHEREAS, citizens of our community have been killed in action while serving in the Armed Forces and have been posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for their ultimate sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, citizens of our community have been awarded the Purple Heart for their bodily sacrifice of being wounded by the hand of the enemy while engaged in combat; and
WHEREAS, the Purple Heart is the oldest American military decoration and was created as The Badge of Military Merit, made of purple cloth in the shape of a heart with the word “Merit” sewn upon it, on August 7, 1782 in Newburgh, New York by General George Washington, then reestablished as the Purple Heart on February 22, 1932 by General Douglas MacArthur; and
WHEREAS, the heritage it represents is sacred to those who know the price paid to wear the Purple Heart; and
WHEREAS, August 7 is nationally recognized as Purple Heart Day; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Somerville City Council hereby proclaims Somerville, Massachusetts a Purple Heart Community, honoring the service and sacrifice of those from our community who were awarded the Purple Heart while serving in our Nations wars; and ALSO, BE IT
RESOLVED, that Somerville, Massachusetts will recognize August 7 annually as Purple Heart Day, and urge our citizens and organizations to display the American Flag as well as other public expressions of recognition and appreciation of our Purple Heart recipients.