The City of DeSoto was recently named a Purple Heart City, and on Saturday, signs went up in the Southern Dallas County town.
Purple Heart City signs will adorn city streets, and reserved parking signs for veterans awarded the Purple Heart were unveiled at the DeSoto Public Library.
The Purple Heart is the oldest active military award in the U.S., presented to those wounded or killed in combat.
Councilmember and combat veteran Crystal Chisholm called the honor momentous.
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"Let today be a memory that we will never forget, that Purple Heart recipients are welcomed here in the City of DeSoto," Chisholm said. "And we will do everything possible to make sure that we advocate and bring more awareness to veterans here in the City of DeSoto."
DeSoto is home to more than 2,800 military veterans and is the latest North Texas city to be named a Purple Heart City. At least 90 Texas cities have the designation and are part of the Purple Heart Trail.
"The City of DeSoto went above and beyond anything I've ever seen in making their combat veterans and all veterans feel comfortable and supported in their city," said Eric Newton, senior vice commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter #1513.
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The Military Order of the Purple Heart was chartered by Congress in 1932. It is the only veterans service organization comprised strictly of combat veterans. The organization advocates for and supports its members and their families.
