City Honors Purple Heart Recipients Friday

Dunedin officially marks National Purple Heart Recognition Day on Friday at Purple Heart Park.

Lou Greber, commander of JFK chapter 1963 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, said he was honored to accept the mayor's proclamation on Thursday. It will be read at the ceremony Friday.

The American Legion Post 238 will also present a 21-gun salute and commemorative bricks that can be engraved to honor or memorialize a Purple Heart recipient will be available for purchase.

The 30-minute ceremony pays tribute to recipients of the 229-year-old Purple Heart award, a military badge of distinction given to any U.S. service member wounded or killed in combat. The actual National Purple Heart Day is Sunday, Aug. 7, which is the anniversary of its inception.

Dunedin is the first congressionally recognized Purple Heart City in the country. The Military Order of the Purple Heart awarded this distinguished designation to the city in August 2006. Donated parkland became the site of Purple Heart Park, which was dedicated in August 2008 during a small ceremony. The park is home to several trees planted in honor of veterans, a special Purple Heart monument and a Walk of Honor.

Want to go?

When: 10 a.m.

Where: Purple Heart Park, 300 Main St. (next to Strachan's Ice Cream)

Details: The event is free and open to the public. Visit www.Dunedingov.com or call the Parks and Recreation Department at 727-812-4531.