City Manager Kimberly Jones said Mayor Lowell McGlothin spoke with Purple Heart State Senior Vice-Commander Dave Bauer about the idea as American Legion Post 236 held its annual Flag Retirement Ceremony.
A ceremony was held at last week’s City Council meeting, where Bauer presented plaques for the mayor and the city. The ceremony also included the playing of “Taps.”
McGlothlin calls the designation ” a significant thing” for him, since he served in the United States Marine Corps, and “a definite positive for New Carlisle.”
The proclamation issued by the city states “the Military Order of the Purple Heart organization was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who received the combat decoration, is composed exclusively of Purple Heart recipients, and is the only Congressionally chartered veterans service organization comprised strictly of combat veterans.”
It goes on to mention that the organization was “chartered by an act of Congress in 1958” and “the estimated 1/7 million veterans since World War I who have been awarded this medal of honor.”
It concludes by stating, “Now, therefore, I, Lowell McGlothlin, mayor of New Carlisle … on behalf of the City Council and the citizens of New Carlisle … proudly accept the official designation of ‘Purple Heart City’ and confirm commitment to honor those who serve and have served so faithfully in defense of our freedoms as Americans and gratefully acknowledge their sacrifice, bravery and unwavering commitment as patriots.”
The city also received a Purple Heart Flag, and Jones indicated they’re now deciding the best place to fly it. McGlothlin said one possibility is the large flagpole on Main Street, near the corner with Jefferson Street.
Other area communities that are “Purple Heart Cities” include Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Fairborn and Springboro.
About the Author