As a sign of Gwinnett County’s deep respect and admiration for those men and women wounded or killed in defense of our country, the Board of Commissioners proclaimed Gwinnett County as a Purple Heart County.

Commissioners unanimously approved a proclamation announcing the designation, which was presented to Lou Zayas, commander of Chapter 465 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Zayas was accompanied by veterans with the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and volunteers from the Gwinnett County Veterans Memorial Museum.

“This distinction means so much for our community,” said Commissioner Jasper Watkins, a retired Army lieutenant colonel. “We’re showing the brave men and women who were wounded or died serving our country, that we’ve got them and we will not let them down. We’re standing right here with them to help fight the battles they may endure daily.” 

Commission Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson said, “Being a Purple Heart County means honoring and remembering military personnel wounded or killed in combat with hostile force. Today, we honor our veterans, those currently serving and their families, who have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect our way of life. As a Purple Heart County, Gwinnett will observe Purple Heart Day every year on August 7^th, commemorating the creation of the oldest American military decoration for military merit.”

The Military Order of the Purple Heart promotes goodwill, patriotism, and supports legislative initiatives for combat-wounded veterans and their families.

In observance of Purple Heart Day on Saturday, August 7, Gwinnett County will honor the brave men and women wounded or killed in defense of our country. To show deep respect and admiration, the County will:

• Fly the Purple Heart flag at the Fallen Heroes Memorial
• Encourage residents and business owners to purchase and display purple lights in and around their homes and/or properties
• Place Purple Heart County signs at the entrances to the County (in the near future)
• Many of our County parks will display a message in support of Purple Heart recipients on the marquee signs at park entrances. 
• And beginning August 15, the following discounts will be applicable to recipients who show their DD214 discharge papers or Military Order of the Purple Heart membership card:
• 10 percent discount on park facility rentals
• 10 percent discount all admissions to pools, open gyms, and tennis centers
• 10 percent discount on programs/classes
• Free pet adoption
• Discounted Community Garden Plot through Harvest Gwinnett
• Free radon or soil test from Gwinnett UGA Extension

Note: Photos from the event are available on the County’s Flickr Page.