Ambridge, PA – At their Tuesday, May 9th Council Meeting, the Ambridge Borough Council and Mayor presented a proclamation to the Military Order of the Purple Heart designating Ambridge a “Purple Heart Community” and also names the area in front of the Honor Roll and Military Monuments within PJ Caul Park as Ambridge’s Purple Heart Plaza.
The designation was made in partnership with the Military Order of the Purple Heart Greater Pittsburgh Chapter 455. The effort pays tribute to the sacrifices of all of the men and women of the Armed Forces who have been wounded or paid the ultimate sacrifice of their lives while protecting our country and the freedoms we enjoy.
The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in use today. It evolved from the Badge of Military Merit created in 1782 by General George Washington for the common soldier. The Purple Heart is specifically awarded to any member of the United States Armed Services wounded or killed in combat by a declared enemy of the United States.
“Ambridge Borough has a large population of veterans, and we are grateful for the service of each of these men and women. Our community has always dedicated itself to supporting our veterans including hosting and funding the area’s Veterans Service Center, a large Memorial Day Ceremony, home to an active American Legion Post, and shows gratitude through the military memorials within PJ Caul Park on Merchant Street. To be designated a Purple Heart Community is a special attribute that Ambridge can take claim in being Beaver County’s first Purple Heart Community, and is also a unique way we show respect, gratitude and homage to our community’s Purple Heart recipients,” stated Council President and Navy Veteran Michael A. Mikulich.
A sign dedicating the Purple Heart Plaza will be revealed in front of the Honor Roll during Ambridge’s Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 29, 2017, 11AM at PJ Caul Park. Veterans and members of the community are invited and encouraged to attend the ceremony.
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