LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Jan. 5, 2016) – Little Rock is now designated as a Purple Heart City, joining several other Arkansas municipalities to embrace the distinction in support of veterans.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA presented a plaque to the City at its board of directors meeting Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016. A proclamation issued by Mayor Mark Stodola pledges that the City of Little Rock strongly supports those who put their lives at risk in service to their country and fellow citizens.

“We appreciate the sacrifices our Purple Heart recipients have made in defending our freedoms and believe it is important that we acknowledge them for their courage and show them the support they have earned,” the proclamation reads.

The Purple Heart, awarded to members of the Armed Forces killed or wounded in combat by enemy forces, is the United States’ oldest military decoration.

In addition to the hundreds of municipalities across the country designated as Purple Heart Cities, the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department has joined other agencies in helping to establish a Purple Heart trail, naming Interstates 40, 49, 430, and 30 in Arkansas as Purple Heart Highways. 

###