Ordinance establishes Tumwater as Purple Heart City
Tumwater City Council adopted an ordinance on September 2, proclaiming the city as a Purple Heart City to honor military personnel wounded or killed in action. Communications Manager Jason Wettstein highlighted that this designation supports veterans and military families in the region. The ordinance mandates the establishment of signage for Purple Heart recipients and a review of local policies to enhance veteran recognition. The city engaged with the Military Order of the Purple Heart to ensure proper protocol before the designation. A public ceremony was held, where veterans were invited to learn about the designation, fulfilling a requirement for the ordinance.
Mayor Debbie Sullivan had previously signed a proclamation on August 7, designating it as National Purple Heart Day. Council member Angela Jefferson, a veteran herself, expressed her gratitude for the designation, noting its personal significance. Other Purple Heart cities in Thurston County include Lacey, Yelm, Tenino, and Rainier.