Putnam County Proclaimed New York State's FIRST Purple Heart County

Putnam proclaimed New York State’s
FIRST “Purple Heart County”

On March 18, 2013, Putnam County Executive, MaryEllen Odell, proclaimed Putnam County to be New York State’s first “Purple Heart County.”  On Wednesday, April 3, 2013, the Putnam County Legislature made a similar proclamation.  This designation, made at the request of members of the Westchester/Putnam Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (Chapter 21) and the Putnam County Joint Veterans Council, once again demonstrates the respect shown by Putnam County residents and Putnam County officials for the sacrifices made by members and veterans of the Armed Forces.

Putnam is already home to the first Gold Star Mother statue in the nation.  It is the birthplace of John McCloy – one of only 19 men in American history to be awarded two Congressional Medals of Honor.  It is the home of Albert Luke Ireland, who was awarded more Purple Heart Medals than any other man in history – nine medals – five from WWII and four from the Korean War.

While there have been other counties in the nation, and other towns in New York State, to proclaim themselves a Purple Heart municipality – Putnam is the first county in New York State to make such a declaration.  That designation was approved by the national, state and local organizations of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and by Putnam’s own Joint Veterans Council.  

This is an example of the signs that will be installed at the gateways to Putnam County.