On National Purple Heart Day yesterday, Danbury dedicated Combat Wounded Parking Spaces at the Danbury War Memorial.  Mayor Mark Boughton also declared the City a Purple Heart City.  He says the City strongly supports its military population and appreciates the the sacrifices Purple Heart recipients have made in defending freedom. 

The request to establish Danbury as a Purple Heart City was spearheaded by Danbury resident Lee Teicholz, whose father William received two Purple Heart medals for wounds he received in France and Germany during World War II. 

The Greater Danbury area has a large, highly decorated veteran population including many Purple Heart recipients.  A proclamation was given to John Kwiatkowski, the State Commander for The Military Order of the Purple Heart at the event.

(Photo: Mayor Mark Boughton)

The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in present use. It was initially created as the Badge of Military Merit by General George Washington in 1782. The Purple Heart medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who have been wounded or paid the ultimate sacrifice in combat with a declared enemy of the United States of America.