In a special city council meeting on Tuesday, Aug 6, the city of DeSoto was designated by the Military Order of the Purple Heart as a Purple Heart City.
An estimated 2,850 US Military Veterans call DeSoto home as the city has been dubbed a veteran-friendly city and received the distinction.
“Tonight, the City of DeSoto joined a proud tradition of communities across the nation that honor and recognize the sacrifices of our nation’s Purple Heart recipients,” said Eric Newton Senior Vice Commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter #1513.
“It shows just how committed DeSoto is to their Purple Heart veterans, and veterans as a whole, and we encourage other cities to step forward like DeSoto and show their support for the heroes that make their communities safer and better!”
Newton received a Purple Heart after being wounded by mortar fire in Vietnam and decades later in Iraq for volunteer service.
Chapter #1513 serves the DFW and Mid-Cities area and represents more than 520 Purple Heart Recipients.
“DeSoto has been home to generations of heroes who have never hesitated to put their well-being on the line to safeguard their neighbors and the security of our nation,” said Mayor of DeSoto Rachel L. Proctor.
“Receiving the designation of Purple Heart City is a great honor that formally recognizes the bravery of DeSoto’s Purple Heart Veterans and reaffirms our love and respect for the bravest among us who have given so much to keep us safe and free.”