Posted on 12/05/2014 11:09:45 AM PST by SandRat
SIERRA VISTA — When it comes to honoring the veterans who make up a significant portion of the community, the city of Sierra Vista now clearly wears its heart on its sleeve.
As of late Wednesday afternoon, anyone entering Sierra Vista by way of Buffalo Soldier Trail will see a sign denoting it as a Purple Heart City, which will be joined by another sign on Charleston Road. The sign was posted on the west side of the highway, just south of Fort Huachuca’s East Gate, during a ceremony attended by Sierra Vista Mayor Rick Mueller, Fort Huachuca Garrison Commander Col. Thomas Boone and Maj. Gen. Robert Ashley, commander of the post and the Intelligence Center of Excellence.
The sign installation followed a proclamation by Mueller issued in October, which made Sierra Vista the second Purple Heart City in Arizona, preceded only by Prescott. The designation was requested by the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 572.
“It’s always a great honor for the City of Sierra Vista to honor veterans, in particular our Purple Heart veterans, who have sacrificed for our country visibly, and who come back to our community and continue to contribute to our great nation,” Mueller said, before helping lift the sign onto its post.
Christopher Vedvick, finance officer and adjutant of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 572, said the placement of the sign represents a commitment of the citizens of Sierra Vista to recognize those military men and women who spilled their blood or sacrificed their lives in service to the ideals that have made this country great.
“Purple Heart recipients make their sacrifices on the field of battle. However, that burden is not carried alone, they are supported by their families members, their brothers and sisters in arms, and by the patriotic citizens in their communities,” Vedvick said. “By becoming the first city in southern Arizona proclaiming itself a Purple Heart City, Sierra Vista has taken a necessary step in bridging the gap between civilian and military and veteran, ensuring that these patriots no longer remain isolated from the community in which they wish to reintegrate and thrive within.”
The local chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart hopes to see the other municipalities in Cochise County follow in Sierra Vista’s footsteps and become Purple Heart cities. They would join many other communities, historic sites, and roads across the country that have been dedicated in honor of the Purple Heart.
“It is the leadership of the city of Sierra Vista, Fort Huachuca and the veteran service organization within Cochise County that have helped combat wounded veterans and their families thrive here in Cochise County,’ Vedvick said. “Today, we recognize that.”
Saw Signs while I was in Gallup New Mexico recently. they hold the title to the Most Military friendly City.
If you visit Sierra Vista, I recommend that you go to Saint Andrew Catholic church. They have a room, near the chapel, that is devoted to those who have served. It is so moving and beautiful.
Also stay for Mass with Father Greg as celebrant, he was once a Lutheran minister, and he really knows the history and traditions of the Catholic church.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.