Mayor Blangiardi signs bill declaring the City and County of Honolulu a “Purple Heart City”

News Release from Office of the Mayor, May 3, 2024

HONOLULU – In a ceremony at the Mission Memorial Auditorium in Honolulu on Friday, Mayor Blangiardi signed Bill 7, declaring the City and County of Honolulu as a “Purple Heart City” to honor Honolulu’s Purple Heart recipients for their “singularly meritorious action” in the line of duty and service to their nation. The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who were injured, wounded, or died of wounds received while in armed combat or as a result of international terrorism or as a prisoner of war.

“Purple Heart recipients are true heroes, deserving of the utmost admiration, and today we recognize the extraordinary sacrifices they have made on behalf of this country and all of us,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Signing this bill means that our City will forever demonstrate an unwavering appreciation for Honolulu’s Purple Heart recipients and their remarkable bravery, and we thank them for their service to our island and our country.” 

“The men and women who have served our country in the U.S. Military, and have been injured or killed in the line of duty, deserve our deepest gratitude, honor and respect,” said Councilmember Augie Tulba. “It is a tremendous privilege to have introduced and voted to pass Bill 7, which deems the City & County of Honolulu a ‘Purple Heart City,’ and recognizes and honors the courage, service, and sacrifices made in the line of duty by Honolulu’s Purple Heart recipients. We have 248 Purple Heart recipients living in Hawaii, including 166 members of the Rainbow Chapter #483 on Oahu. Their contributions were a part of ensuring that our freedom and way of life remains.”

The Honolulu City Council unanimously approved Bill 7 (with one member absent) on April 17, 2024. The Purple Heart, originally called the “Badge of Military Merit,” was created by General George Washington in 1782 and is the oldest American military decoration still in use.

—PAU—