Dunwoody Becomes a Purple Heart City

Designation Honors members of the nation's armed forces who were wounded or killed in combat

Dunwoody, GA – June 10, 2016 – The City of Dunwoody became the newest Georgia city to be recognized as a Purple Heart City. The Dunwoody City Council voted unanimously recognizing veterans wounded or killed in combat by passing a resolution at its May 9 Council meeting to make Dunwoody a Purple Heart City.

The proclamation affirmed Dunwoody honors the armed forces and acknowledges the sacrifices of those wounded or killed in the line of duty.

“The people of the City of Dunwoody have great admiration and the utmost gratitude for all the men and women who have selflessly served their country and this community in the armed forces,” states retired Marine Corps Brig. Gen. and Dunwoody Mayor Denis Shortal.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart, an organization chartered by Congress in 1958, follows a mission to “foster an environment of goodwill and camaraderie among combat wounded veterans, promote patriotism, support necessary legislative initiatives, and most importantly, provide service to all veterans and their families.”

The Purple Heart is the oldest military award still given to U.S. military members. It is specifically a combat decoration and it is the nation’s oldest military medal. It was first created by General George Washington in 1782, then known as the Badge of Military Merit. It is given to those who are wounded or killed in action. Today more than 1.9 million Purple Heart medals have been given.

The city honored recipients of the Purple Heart and all of those that have sacrificed for our country at the city’s Memorial Day Tribute, held Monday, May 30, 2016 at the Veterans Memorial at Brook Run Park.

The city’s Purple Heart Proclamation was read aloud and a new Purple Heart City sign was unveiled. These new signs will be posted inside city limits adjacent to existing ‘Welcome to Dunwoody’ signs.

“We are very proud of this distinction and want all to know the City of Dunwoody has chosen to become a Purple Heart City to pay homage to those men and women who have served in the armed forces to help maintain the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by citizens today,” said Shortal.

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