Local governments could start formally recognizing Purple Heart recipients

Cities and counties could begin formally recognizing Purple Heart recipients and give them reserved spots in government center parking lots under a bill approved Monday by the House Veterans Affairs Division.

Sponsored by Rep. Matt Bliss (R-Pennington), HF3477 would allow local governments to designate themselves as a “Purple Heart County” or “Purple Heart City,” along with permitting those counties and cities to accept donations for Purple Heart-recognition signs and allow them to designate Aug. 7 as Purple Heart Day in their communities.

The bill goes to the House Government Operations and Elections Policy Committee. Its companion, SF3262, sponsored by Sen. Dan Hall (R-Burnsville), awaits action in the Senate Local Government Committee.

The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration still in use, given to wounded or killed service members.

WATCH House Veterans Affairs Division hearing on the bill

Willie Pargo, a department commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart, said both St. Paul and Brooklyn Park have become Purple Heart cities, a designation he believes more local governments will embrace.

“We just got started,” Pargo said, adding later that the organization is “working on it” to make Minnesota a Purple Heart state.

Asked by Rep. Tim O'Driscoll (R-Sartell) why counties and cities need state authorization to approve a Purple Heart resolution, Rep. Bob Dettmer (R-Forest Lake), the division’s chair, said it’s a way to encourage local governments to support Purple Heart recipients.

“What we’re doing, maybe, as a state, is taking it on and making it something the state really feels is important – bringing it to attention to everybody,” he said.

Monday was Veterans Day on the Hill in St. Paul, with buses coming from all across the state to meet legislators and follow the committee process. The House Veterans Affairs Division opened its meeting with a special flag presentation by the Waite Park American Legion Post 428 color guards.