Before a large gathering in council chambers Tuesday night, Crossville City Council voted unanimously to approve a resolution designating the city as a Purple Heart City.
During a ceremony, members of the county chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution turned out in force to support their request recognizing all Purple Heart recipients and their families.
In addition, several other military service-related organizations turned out in support of the designation.
About a dozen Purple Heart recipients in the audience were recognized for their sacrifice and service.
Mayor R.J. Crawford read the resolution to the audience which is as follows:
“Whereas, the Purple Heart Medal was created by Gen. George Washington in 1782 and is the oldest military decoration still awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces, and,
“The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to those members of the Armed Forces who have been wounded or killed in combat while serving their country with honor and courage, and,
“Recipients of the Purple Heart have made extraordinary sacrifices in defense of freedom enjoyed by all citizens of the United States, and,
“The city of Crossville is home to veterans and families who have borne the visible and invisible wounds of war, and,
“The Military Order of the Purple Heart encourages cities and communities across the nation to recognize and honor Purple Heart recipients through the designation of “Purple Heart Recognition City,” and,
“Designating the city of Crossville as a Purple Heart Recognition City demonstrates the city’s commitment to honoring the bravery, sacrifice and service of Purple Heart recipients and their families.”
The resolution ends with the designation, city support with proper signage at appropriate locations and observance of Purple Heart Day on Aug. 7 of each year.
The resolution took effect immediately on vote of yes from Crawford, Mayor Pro Tem Art Gernt and council members Mark Fox, William Mayberry and Mike Turner.