Luverne is the first city in Minnesota to become a Purple Heart City, and a dedication ceremony Tuesday, Sept. 20, made that designation official.
City Council members and Purple Heart Veterans Buck Underwood and Gary Hassebroek gathered on South Highway 75 between Howling Dog and Subway where a purple sign proclaims Luverne’s special status.
“I just thought it would be a fitting tribute to all veterans past and present,” said Buck Underwood, who was awarded a Purple Heart Medal for his service in Vietnam.
The Purple Heart is a combat decoration awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces who are wounded by the enemy.
Mayor Pat Baustian personally thanked Underwood and fellow Purple Heart Veteran Gary Hassebroek for their service.
“We thank you for defending our nation and its freedoms and liberties we enjoy today,” Baustian said.
He mentioned that Rock County has long been a Yellow Ribbon Community (supporting military families of deployed service men and women) and now Luverne is the first in the state to become a Purple Heart City.
“We have a very strong military heritage in this community,” Baustian said. “I’m very proud of this.”
Baustian had officially proclaimed Luverne as a Purple Heart City during the June 28 City Council meeting.
The words of the proclamation are as follows.
Be It Proclaimed:
Whereas, the City of Luverne in the state of Minnesota has always supported its military veteran population; and
Whereas, the Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in present use and was initially created as the Badge of Military Merit by General George Washington in 1782; and
Whereas, the Purple Heart was the first American service award or decoration made available to the common soldier and is specifically awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who have been wounded or paid the ultimate sacrifice in combat with a declared enemy of the United States of America; and
Whereas, the mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is to foster an environment of goodwill among the combat-wounded veteran members and their families, promote patriotism, support legislative initiatives, and most importantly – make sure we never forget; and
Whereas, the Luverne area has a large, highly decorated veteran population including many Purple Heart recipients; and
Whereas, Luverne appreciates the sacrifices our Purple Heart recipients made in defending our freedoms and believe it is important that we acknowledge them for their courage and show them the honor and support they have earned.
Now, Therefore, I, Patrick T. Baustian, Mayor of the City of Luverne, do hereby proclaim the City of Luverne as a PURPLE HEART CITY and encourage the citizens of the City of Luverne to show their appreciation for the sacrifices the Purple Heart recipients have made in defending our freedoms, to acknowledge their courage, and to show them the honor and support they have earned.