Oklahoma to become 'Purple Heart State' starting Nov. 1
Oklahoma will be the latest state to be designated as a "Purple Heart State" thanks to a bill that was recently signed into law, officials said Tuesday.
Lawmakers passed Senate Bill 232, which was authored by Rep. Tommy Hardin, and Sen. Frank Simpson. The bill passed the House and the Senate unanimously.
The bill was written "to give Oklahoma's Purple Heart recipients the recognition they deserve," according to a news release.
"The Purple Heart is the oldest military award given to those U.S. military members who are wounded or killed while serving our country," said Springer, a Navy veteran. There is no greater sacrifice and no greater recognition for those brave men and women who sacrificed so much.
"There are no words to express our gratitude or recognition of such great sacrifice. Becoming a Purple Heart State, however, shows the world the immense pride and gratitude our citizens have for the 1,340 Oklahoma recipients of this hallowed award. May God bless them and their families."
The U.S. military has awarded an estimated 2 million Purple Hearts since World War I. A Purple Heart is given to U.S. military members who have been wounded or killed while serving since April 5, 1917.
The Purple Heart is considered to be different from most military awards and decorations because service members are entitled to it rather than are recommended for it, the news release states.
"Oklahoma has a tremendous military heritage, and it’s important that we honor our military members’ service and sacrifice, especially those who are wounded or lay down their lives for our country,” said Hardin. “With this designation, the service and sacrifice of Oklahoma’s Purple Heart recipients will never be forgotten."
According to Senate Bill 232, the governor will execute a proclamation each year in recognition of "Purple Heart Day" and the secretary of Veterans Affairs encourage the observance of "Purple Heart Day" with appropriate activities. Also, each local chapter of all veterans organizations plan special activities and events to honor Purple Heart recipients in that chapter.