Submitted by City of Yelm
The City of Yelm was designated as a Purple Heart City and is the fourth community in Washington to receive this honor. A proclamation from Mayor Foster and the City Council was presented to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Department of Veteran Affairs, and a room full of military service members and their families.
“Together we honor the fallen, the fighting, the families and the veterans of our armed forces,” said Mayor Foster. On behalf of our grateful community, we appreciate the brave men and women who serve and have served in defense of our nation.”
The Purple Heart, originally known as the Badge of Military Merit, is an award adopted at the conclusion of the American Revolution in 1782 by General George Washington to recognize “meritorious action” and honor. Since then the criteria surrounding the award has changed. Presently the Purple Heart is awarded to “any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after April 5, 1917, has been wounded, killed, or has died after being wounded.” The Purple Heart City initiative is comprised of a proclamation that represents the City’s support of recipients of this prestigious award.
In addition to the proclamation, the City will install Purple Heart signs to show its level of commitment, support, and appreciation for the brave men and women who have stood in defense of our nation. Washington State is home to more than 600,000 veterans.
About the City of Yelm
Incorporated in 1924, Yelm is one of the fastest-growing cities in South Puget Sound with close proximity to spectacular recreational opportunities, Joint Base Lewis-McChord and major metropolitan areas of western Washington. Yelm is the center of commerce for south Thurston and southeast Pierce Counties. For more information please visit the City of Yelm’s website and stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.
