Dearborn prepares to observe first Veterans Day as a Purple Heart City

Published Nov. 4, 2024

The City of Dearborn will recognize veterans of the United States armed services during its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. It is the first time that the city will observe Veterans Day as a designated Purple Heart City, following the passage of a resolution by the Dearborn City Council on Tuesday, Oct. 22. 

As a Purple Heart City, Dearborn will join communities nationwide to commemorate recipients of the Military Merit badge and honor and raise awareness of their service.

Mayor Hammoud stated, “As a Purple Heart community, Dearborn joins hundreds of other communities across the country to recognize the service and sacrifice of our local veterans, active service members, and their families during National Veterans and Military Families Month this November.”

Dearborn will illuminate City buildings in purple lights throughout the month of November in recognition of veteran servicemembers and Purple Heart recipients. 

City to celebrate veterans community during Nov. 11 ceremony

The annual Dearborn Veterans Day Ceremony, hosted by the City of Dearborn and the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council (DAWVC), will be held on Monday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Ford Community Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave. The ceremony will recognize local veterans, including the 2024-2025 Dearborn Veteran of the Year, for their military service and contributions to the Dearborn community. 

The public is invited to attend. 

About the Purple Heart Medal and Purple Heart City designation

The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in present use. It was initially created by General George Washington in 1782 as the badge of Military Merit. 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.

The Purple Heart City designation was first issued by the Order of the Purple Heart in 2001. To be designated as a Purple Heart City, a community must have a living or deceased Purple Heart recipient, issue a proclamation, and recognize National Purple Heart Day annually on Aug. 7.

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