Office of the City Manager 5555 Perimeter Drive • Dublin, OH 43017 Phone: 614.410.4400
Memo
To: Members of Dublin City Council From: Dana L. McDaniel, City Manager Date: December 1, 2020 Initiated By: Veterans Committee Nick Plouck, Management Assistant Kirby Dearth, Management Intern Re: Purple Heart City
Background At the November 12, 2020 Veterans Committee meeting, the committee discussed designating the City of Dublin a Purple Heart City. This project was initiated by Veterans Committee member Sean Clifton who provided an overview and presentation (attached) to the Committee.
The Purple Heart is the oldest military honor, created in August 1782 by George Washington as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. The honor was renamed and redesigned in 1932 as the Purple Heart and is awarded for a member of the armed forces who was wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States. An estimated 1.7 million veterans since World War I have received the honor. Within Ohio, there are almost 40 Purple Heart communities, including Columbus, Gahanna, Grove City, Delaware, and Franklin County.
By proclaiming itself a Purple Heart City, the City of Dublin will effectively communicate commitment, acceptance, and safety to military residents and traveling veterans alike. With such distinction, the city will be awarded Purple Heart City signs that are to be posted on the roadside near the entrances of the city. Additionally, the Military Order of the Purple Heart may visit the Dublin City Council at the meeting at which it proclaims the City of Dublin a Purple Heart City for a formal ceremony. Lastly, as a Purple Heart City, the City of Dublin would be able to designate a citywide Purple Heart day. This day would serve as an opportunity for the community to acknowledge and remember the sacrifices made by the brave patriots who have served the United States of America.
Recommendation On November 12, 2020 the Veterans Committee voted to recommend Dublin City Council proclaim the City of Dublin a Purple Heart City. The Veterans Committee and city staff are seeking the approval of City Council to accept this designation. If Council is supportive, staff will bring forward an official proclamation in 2021.
Proposal for:
Purple Heart City Purple Heart Monument
City of Dublin Veterans Committee MSG(r) Sean Clifton (US Army veteran & Purple Heart Medal recipient) Overview of Proposal • STEP 1 – Get city approved as official “Purple Heart City” • Draft proclamation (see examples) • MOPH review? (Mr. Randy Howson) • Official proclamation (see examples) • City Council, etc • MOPH recognition (Mr. Randy Howson) • STEP 2 – Monument and/or Artwork • Apply for Purple Heart Monument… -or- • Design Purple Heart artwork in conjunction with Arts Council… -or- • Both of the above?? • STEP 3 – Dedication Ceremony • Location? • Ground of Remembrance? Riverwalk? Near Pedestrian Bridge? Cemetery? • Date? • Memorial Day ceremony? 4th of July ceremony? Veterans Day ceremony? • August 7th? (Purple Heart Day) Overview of “Purple Heart City”:
• Huber Heights, OH (news video link): • https://www.wdtn.com/news/local-news/veterans-voices-purple-heart-cities- on-the-rise-in-ohio/
• OR, PLAY SEPARATE VIDEO: Examples – Purple Heart City
• Grove City (August 2017) • https://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20170801/mayors-stage-city-has- honor-of-purple-heart-city-designation • Youngstown (August 2019) • https://www.tribtoday.com/news/local-news/2019/08/youngstown- designated-purple-heart-city/ • Centerville (July 2019) • https://www.whio.com/news/local/centerville-honored-newest-purple-heart- city-47th-ohio/LFiBnZBhq59jjOaxlwIceK/ • Tipp City (June 2019) • https://www.whio.com/news/local/tipp-city-honored-purple-heart-city- during-ceremony/7bN2hzjwZV0TEsJeHZMsxN/ Purple Heart City - POC
• Mr. Randy Howson (his response to my inquiry) • “As the Purple Heart Trail coordinator for the MOPH, Department of Ohio, I lead and coordinate the discussion with municipalities concerning designation of Purple Heart City. • I recommend that you have the Dublin city manager contact me to discuss the process of becoming a Purple Heart City and the ceremony in accordance with the Military Order of the Purple Heart organization. Given sufficient notice I can come to city hall to discuss process and work out the details. • As for the discussion about a monument, that is a separate discussion as it involves fund raising by the community.”
• Hoping for personal meeting next week. • Randy Howson contact info: • Email: [email protected] • Phone: 937-254-4294 Examples – Purple Heart Monument Examples – Purple Heart Monument Examples – Purple Heart Monument Next Step…
• Purple Heart City proclamation with assistance/guidance from: • Mr. Randy Howson
• POC: Randy Howson • Phone: 937-254-4294 • E-mail: [email protected] • Location: Dayton-area
• Overview of Randy’s success: • News/Video 1: https://dayton247now.com/news/local/wright-patterson- becomes-first-active-duty-purple-heart-base-in-the-country • News/Video 2: https://www.wdtn.com/news/local-news/centerville-earns- purple-heart-city-declaration/