City of Abilene Designated a Purple Heart City

The City of Abilene proudly announces its official designation as a Purple Heart City, honoring the bravery, sacrifice, and service of the community's Purple Heart recipients.

A proclamation, to be delivered Thursday by Mayor Weldon Hurt, recognizes the sacrifices made by those wounded or given their lives in combat to protect our freedoms. Abilene also designated Cedar Creek Waterway as a Purple Heart Trail.

A ceremony at Abilene City Hall, 555 Walnut Street, will include unveiling signage for the Purple Heart City designation and Purple Heart Trail. The trail will coincide with the current Cedar Creek Waterway,

The Purple Heart Medal, established by George Washington in 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit, is a distinguished award earned by those wounded or killed in combat. The Purple Heart Trail honors recipients' sacrifices by fostering community gratitude through public proclamations and visible reminders of their service.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) supported the designation, with guidance from Joe Sutton, National Purple Heart Trail Coordinator.

"The Purple Heart Medal is the only military decoration which attests, without question, to the bearer having been in combat," Sutton said. "It is a decoration of solemn distinction for which an individual cannot be recommended but may only be earned. It is awarded to an individual, by certification of the President of the United States, for those who have greatly sacrificed themselves, having been wounded or paid the ultimate price as a result of enemy action while serving in the line of duty within the armed forces of the United States."

As such, the establishment and expansion of the Purple Heart Trail has a lofty purpose, Sutton said: To support the reverence ordered for medal recipients 242 years ago.

Hurt said that, as Mayor of Abilene, it was his great honor to designate Abilene a Purple Heart City and Cedar Creek part of the Purple Heart series of trails.

"This recognition is a testament to our city's unwavering appreciation for the men and women who have sacrificed so much in defense of our country," he said. "We encourage all Abilene citizens to reflect on the courage and dedication of our Purple Heart recipients and to continue to foster an environment of respect and gratitude for their service."