Kearns proudly pays tribute to Purple Heart recipients during a meaningful induction ceremony in celebration of National Purple Heart Day

County Clerk honors veterans added to the William J. Donovan 2026 Purple Heart Book of Merit and announces Old County Hall will be lit up purple in support of Purple Heart Appreciation Day

Erie County, NY- As our nation commemorates America's 250th Anniversary, Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns marked National Purple Heart Day by honoring Erie County veterans whose names were added to the 9th Annual William J. Donovan Purple Heart Book of Merit for 2026.

The ceremony served as a reminder that the freedoms celebrated during America's 250th anniversary were secured through the courage and sacrifice of generations of American servicemen and servicewomen. The Purple Heart itself traces its origins to the Revolutionary War, when General George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit on August 7, 1782-the predecessor to today's Purple Heart-making it the nation's oldest military decoration still awarded.

"While America celebrates 250 years of independence, it is fitting that we remember those who paid the highest price to preserve the freedoms our nation was founded upon," said Kearns. "An estimated two million members of our Armed Forces have been killed or wounded in combat and earned the Purple Heart. These selfless Americans came from every walk of life, including communities throughout Erie County. Most veterans never ask for recognition, but I firmly believe they have earned our gratitude and our commitment to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten."

National Purple Heart Day is observed annually on August 7 to honor members of the United States Armed Forces who were wounded or killed while serving our nation.

No formal record of Erie County Purple Heart recipients existed prior to 2018, when Kearns established the William J. Donovan Purple Heart Book of Merit, creating a permanent historical record maintained by the Erie County Clerk's Office.

"Creating this Book of Merit was one of the most meaningful initiatives of my tenure as County Clerk," Kearns said. "As the county's chief records officer, I believed we had both an opportunity and an obligation to preserve the names and stories of these extraordinary men and women for future generations."

With the addition of forty-eight (48) new honorees this year, the 2026 William J. Donovan Purple Heart Book ofMeritnow permanently recognizes 638 Purple Heart recipients from across Erie County.

The Book of Merit is named in honor of Buffalo native General William J. Donovan, one of America's most decorated military leaders and widely regarded as the "Father of American Intelligence." Donovan served with distinction during World War I, earning three Purple Hearts before later leading the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the predecessor to today's Central Intelligence Agency.

This year's ceremony was held in the Ceremonial Courtroom at Old County Hall and concluded with a Purple Heart flag-presentation ceremony inside the courtroom due to inclement weather. The program featured welcoming remarks from County Clerk Kearns, the Presentation of the Colors by the Gabriel A. Rodriguez American Legion Post 1928 Color Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance led by World War II veteran Dr. John Long, and the National Anthem performed by local lyricist George Miller. Kearns, joined by representatives of Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapters 187 and 264, presented Certificates of Recognition and commemorative Purple Heart pins to recipients and their families as each veteran's name, branch of service, and conflict were read aloud.

The William J. Donovan Purple Heart Book of Merit is permanently displayed at the Erie County Clerk's Office inside Old County Hall, 92 Franklin Street, alongside historical photographs of General Donovan, his portrait, and a World War I-era Purple Heart with two oak leaf clusters donated to the Clerk's Office.

"As we celebrate 250 years of America, we are reminded that every generation has answered the call to defend our nation," Kearns added. "The Purple Heart represents extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty. Preserving the legacy of Erie County's Purple Heart recipients ensures their service will never be forgotten and that future generations will understand the true cost of the freedoms we enjoy."

Submissions for the 2027 William J. Donovan Purple Heart Book of Merit are now being accepted online only at www.erie.gov/clerk and clicking on the SALUTES icon.

County Clerk Kearns also announced that Old County Hall will be illuminated in purple through August 9 in tribute to Purple Heart recipients and in solemn remembrance of all members of the United States Armed Forces who were wounded or made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.