Detroit Becomes a Purple Heart City

Detroit declares itself a Purple Heart City.

Officials in Detroit declared it a Purple Heart City Tuesday. The American Flag and the Purple Heart Flag rose together outside the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center as a tribute to those who earned a medal by being wounded or killed in battle while defending the nation.

Military Order of the Purple Heart Spokesperson John Bircher says Detroit is a city that remembers its fallen warriors.

“They are undertaking a lot of initiatives recognize and pay tribute to the veterans,” Bircher says. “Especially their sons and daughters of the city of Detroit who have fought to preserve the freedoms we all enjoy.”

 

Bircher says it is a fitting time for the city to make the declaration as the nation prepares to honor those who gave their lives defending our country on Memorial Day next week.

Detroit and New York are the only major cities in the nation to be declared a Purple Heart City. 

Author

  • Bre'Anna Tinsley
    Bre'Anna Tinsley is a reporter for Detroit Public Radio, 101.9 WDET. She covers city government and housing, as well as co-hosting the "Detroit Evening Report" podcast.