Coppell becomes a Purple Heart City

The City of Coppell was recognized as a Purple Heart City at the City of Coppell Town Center on Tuesday, Jan 9.

Veterans and supporters were invited to attend the ceremony as the mayor proclaimed Coppell a Purple Heart City. The event honored veterans and their families. Any city can become a Purple Heart City; the only requirement is gratitude.

The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in current use. The first American service award made available to the common soldier, the Purple Heart was created as the Badge of Military Merit by General George Washington in 1782. It is specifically awarded to those in the United States Armed Forces, who have been wounded or have paid the ultimate sacrifice in combat with a declared enemy of the United States of America.

“I’m interested in this event, because my grandfather’s brother received a Purple Heart, and he died in World War II,” Morgan Lorant, Miss Coppell 2018, said. “I had the honor of creating a shadow-box for him, and labeling all of his medals, so we could always remember him.”

June 9, 2018, has been officially designated as a day to remember the recipients of the Purple Heart Medal in Coppell.

“We’re here to honor the city,” Jon Lunkwicz, State Sr. Vice Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart said. “Events like theses honor Purple Heart recipients and George Washington who first created this. It also gives awareness to all of the veterans who serve, and not just Purple Hearts.”

Since the award was created, it is estimated 1.9 million people received the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart can only be award once. An Oak leaf Cluster is awarded to members of the U.S Army or Air Force who have been previously wounded, and have already received a Purple Heart.

“This is just one of the chapters we have,” Gustav Paul Wittschack, Chapter 1513 Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, said. “We have 24 chapters in Texas, and we have 351 members now in our own chapter. Our Chapter was born almost five years ago.

“After 9/11, the State of Texas created its own Purple Heart that would exclusively go towards wounded soldiers, sailors, and airmen from Texas,” Wittschack said. The medal resembles the national Purple Heart, except George Washington’s picture was replaced by the state’s coat of arms.