The community and local veterans gathered on 7 August 2024 at Pybus Public Market to honor recipients of the Purple Heart, a distinguished military decoration awarded to individuals wounded or killed in combat.

The ceremony featured the Presentation of Colors by our VFW Post and American Legion Post 10, and elected officials from Chelan and Douglas counties, as well as the cities of East Wenatchee and Wenatchee, reading a proclamation declaring each area a Purple Heart City or County.

A Purple Heart City or County officially recognizes Purple Heart recipients with events such as the community ceremony. Once the proclamations are signed, the Purple Heart Trail organization is notified so that the community can be listed on the website, and then local jurisdictions may install road signs to mark the designation.

Organized by the Chelan County Veterans Program, the ceremony on 7 Aug welcomed Purple Heart recipients from Chelan and Douglas counties as well as family members of those who have received the award. Attendees to the event were offered light refreshments, a plethora of information from various local and regional veteran resources, and and a chance to connect with others in the community.

“We plan to make this an annual community event, honoring those people who have sacrificed their own well-being for the cause of freedom and democracy,” said John Tamngin, Chelan County Veteran Service Officer and member of Post 3617. “We encourage everyone to join us in honoring Purple Heart recipients and to show support for our efforts to become an official Purple Heart Community.”