Boone County becomes Purple Heart County
Boone County commissioners signed a proclamation that made the county a Purple Heart County Tuesday morning.
Purple Heart veterans attended the commission meeting for the proclamation ceremony.
The veterans were given a chance to talk about the importance of the Purple Heart and serving in the military.
The award is given to military members who are “wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy.”
One veteran said no one seeks out the Purple Heart, but it’s a pleasure to be honored.
“It’s really gratifying,” said veteran John Dismer. “We’re trying to get recognition for the purple heart medal, and like I said, six-tenths of one percent of everyone who served in the military has received the purple heart. So, it’s a very small group of people that are actually wounded in combat.”
The state of Missouri, 36 counties in Missouri, and 106 cities in the state honor the Purple Heart.
The Purple Heart is the oldest combat decoration still in use. It originated when George Washington order the heart-shaped “Badge of Military Merit” in 1782.
