BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Commissioner Lamar Paris proclaimed Union County as a Purple Heart County at the June commission meeting.

“The contributions and sacrifices of the men and women from Union County who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens,” the proclamation reads.

Ryan McPherson was in attendance to accept the proclamation. He thanked Paris and added the move is another way for communities to recognize service members who were wounded in combat.

In recent wars, thousands of soldiers received Purple Hearts:

• 320,000 in World War I
• Over 1,000,000 in World War II
• 118,000 in the Korean War
• 351,000 in Vietnam
• 600 in the Persian Gulf
• 12,000 in Afghanistan
• 35,000 in Iraq

Union County becoming a Purple Heart County makes it easier for the community to become part of the Purple Heart Trail. The trail creates “a symbolic and honorary system of roads, highways, bridges, and other monuments that give tribute to the men and women who have been awarded the Purple Heart medal.” It serves as a visual reminder to those on the road that someone paid a high price for them to travel comfortably in the states.

Purple Heart Trail entities in Georgia.

Military Order of the Purple Heart established the Purple Heart Trail in 1992. It begins in Mt. Vernon, Virginia and has designated sections in 45 states and Guam.

Read the entire proclamation below:

WHEREAS, The people of the County of Union have great admiration and the utmost gratitude for all the men and women who have selflessly served their country and this community in the Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, Veterans have paid the high price of freedom by leaving their families and communities and placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all; and

WHEREAS, The contributions and sacrifices of the men and women from Union County who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and

WHEREAS, Many men and women in uniform have given their lives while serving in the Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, Many citizens of our community have earned the Purple Heart Medal as a result of being wounded while engaged in combat with an enemy force, construed as a singularly meritorious act of essential service; and

WHEREAS, Union County 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, BE IT RESOLVED that the Union County Sole Commissioner, Lamar Paris, hereby proclaims Union County as a Purple Heart County, honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s men and women in uniform who were wounded or killed by the enemy while serving to protect the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans.