Okaloosa County BOCC — January 7, 2014 — Purple Heart proclamation0114

PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in present use and was initially created as the Badge of Military Merit by General George Washington in 1782; and WHEREAS, the Purple Heart is the first American service award or decoration made available to the common soldier and is specifically awarded to any member of the United States Armed Services wounded or killed in combat with a declared enemy of the United States; and WHEREAS, the mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, chartered by an Act of Con- gress, is to foster an environment of goodwill among the combat wounded veteran members and their families; promote patriotism, support legislative initiatives and most importantly—make sure that we never forget; and WHEREAS, Okaloosa County is the First Purple Heart County in the State of Florida; and WHERAS, Okaloosa County is the home of the US Air Force Air Armament Museum which houses the Memorial Wall honoring all deceased Florida resident Purple Heart recipients since September 11, 2001; and WHEREAS, Okaloosa County is the home to two Medal of Honor and Purple Heart Recipients Retired, Deceased: Colonel George E. “Bud” Day, USAF and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Mi- chael J. Novosel, US Army, and is home to over 900 active and retired military members living in its communities who have been awarded the Purple Heart; and WHEREAS, Okaloosa County recognizes the commitment and increasing sacrifices military families, especially our Gold Star and Blue Star families, are making and has pledged through its Military Community Covenant to support those who serve and through which we build strong communi- ties. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Okaloosa County, Florida, that we do hereby proclaim January 2014 as MILITARY PURPLE HEART MONTH In Honor of Florida’s Fallen Heroes DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED this 7th day of January, 2014. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA ATTEST: _________________________________ CHARLES K. WINDES, JR. CHAIRMAN ___________________________ DON W. HOWARD CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT