Jefferson County is now a Purple Heart County.
Representatives from the Missouri division of the Military Order of the Purple Heart presented a plaque to the Jefferson County Council on July 8 recognizing the county for its efforts in honoring Purple Heart recipients.
As part of the recognition, the county will place road signs with the Purple Heart medal throughout the county, pending Missouri Department of Transportation approval.
“We appreciate the sacrifices our Purple Heart recipients made in defending our freedoms,” County Executive Dennis Gannon said. “It is important that we acknowledge them for their courage and show them the honor and support they have earned.”
Walt Schley, former commander for Missouri Purple Heart division and the representative who presented the plaque said the county began the application process about a month ago.
“I want to thank the council and the residents of the county for wanting to recognize Purple Heart recipients, veterans and Gold Star families,” Schley said. “The plaque I want to present is the Military Order of the Purple Heart special recognition award for your dedication to honoring America’s combat-wounded veterans and becoming a Purple Heart County.”
Nearly 100 of Missouri’s 114 counties have earned the Purple Heart recognition and are listed on the Purple Heart Trail on the Military Order of the Purple Heart’s website.
The organization was chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932 to ensure the protection of those who received the Purple Heart Medal. The Order is composed of military men and women who also have received the medal.
“Jefferson County has a large, highly decorated veteran population, including many Purple Heart recipients,” the county said in a proclamation associated with its recognition. “The Military Order of the Purple Heart (mission) is to foster an environment of goodwill among combat-wounded veterans and their families, promote patriotism, support legislation and, most importantly, make sure we never forget.”
Gene Barbagallo (District 2, Imperial), a Vietnam War-era veteran, said he’s happy to see the county is finally honoring military service members in this way, adding that for many Vietnam War veterans, political tensions at home meant the return from war was not as welcome as it should have been.
“I think it’s a fine thing what we’re doing, but it’s about 60 years late,” Barbagallo said. “I’ve been in contact with many Vietnam vets, and I’ve asked them, ‘Do you know, back in the day, wouldn’t a little bit of consideration for us have meant something?’ Better late than never, they say.
“I’m backing (veterans) 100 percent, and I can’t wait to see the placards go up.”