DEPARTMENT: Intergovernmental Relations
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Jeff Coyle
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Declaring San Antonio a "Purple Heart City"
SUMMARY:
A Resolution of Support to declare San Antonio as a "Purple Heart City" in recognition of San Antonio being home to the largest Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On March 3, 2015, Councilmember Gallagher submitted a Council Consideration Request in support of proclaiming San Antonio as a "Purple Heart City." The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy; and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those killed in action or die of wounds received in action. The Military Order of the Purple Heart was formed in 1932 and later Chartered by Congress in 1958, and supports all Veterans and their families.
San Antonio is home to Alamo Chapter 1836, the largest Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart in the Nation. San Antonio also has the largest population of Veterans and Active Duty Personnel of any City in Texas, and is second to San Diego, California nationally. The Alamo Chapter has requested that the City of San Antonio formally recognize the City as "Purple Heart City."
San Antonio is also home to the San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC) at Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston, one of the largest medical treatment facilities in the Nation. Many of the Veterans awarded a Purple Heart come to San Antonio because of wounds received in combat and are treated at SAMMC.
A Resolution of Support declaring San Antonio a "Purple Heart City" would help honor the brave members and their families who have sacrificed so much to protect our Country.
ISSUE:
N/A
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council may elect not to provide a Resolution of Support.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to...
Click here for full text