Submitted
Hays, Kansas proudly announces its official designation as a Purple Heart City.
This prestigious recognition honors the bravery and sacrifice of the sons and daughters of our community who were awarded the Purpose Heart Medal. The Purple Heart Medal is awarded to service members who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
A public ceremony to mark the occasion is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at Hays Veterans Memorial Park located near 15th Street and Haney Drive, just off Canterbury Drive.
City officials, Purple Heart Medal recipients, and veterans from the community will be present. The public is invited to attend.
The Purple Heart City designation was a combined effort of the Hays Veterans Service Organizations, including Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Marine League, Vietnam Veterans Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and The Society of 40 Men and 8 Horses.
This Purple Heart City designation demonstrates our community’s commitment to acknowledging and appreciating the profound sacrifices made by our military heroes.
Signs announcing the designation will be posted alongside six different roads entering Hays.
By becoming a Purple Heart City, Hays joins a distinguished group of communities nationwide dedicated to honoring Purple Heart Medal recipients.
PROCLAMATION:
To the People of Hays,
Greetings.
WHEREAS, the City of Hays, founded in 1867, was named after Fort Hays (originally named Fort Fletcher), which was in turn named for Alexander Hays, a Union General killed during the Civil War; and
WHEREAS, the City of Hays has a long military history and proud tradition of supporting the military and its veteran population; and
WHEREAS, the Purple Heart Medal was the first award made available to the common soldier and is specifically awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who have been wounded in combat or have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms being killed in action against a declared enemy of the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, Hays has a large veteran population with many of its veterans being Purple Heart recipients; and
WHEREAS, we appreciate the sacrifices our Purple Heart recipients have made in defending our freedom and believe it is important that we acknowledge them for their courage and show them the support they have earned;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, SHAUN MUSIL, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF HAYS, KANSAS, on behalf of the Hays City Commission, do hereby recognize Hays, Kansas, as a Purple Heart City.