Purple Heart City

Purple Heart City Graphic

Purple Heart City

As of May 22, 2024, City of Syracuse is a proclaimed Purple Heart City by Mayor Ben Walsh. Nationally, the Purple Heart City program exhibits its support for military personnel who have been wounded or killed in combat.

Leaders of the Central New York Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, representatives of nearly 20 other local veterans’ groups, along many local recipients of the Purple Heart, joined Mayor Walsh in the proclamation. The Mayor encourages Syracuse to “show their appreciation for the sacrifices Purple Heart recipients have made defending our freedom.”

What is a Purple Heart?

A Purple Heart is military decoration awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Force who are wounded or killed in combat. First presented in 1932, it is a medal ribbon attached to a purple ribbon and was originally introduced by General George Washington in 1872 as the “Badge of Military Merit.”   

Signs Across the City

Signs declaring Syracuse a Purple Heart City are posted in four locations:

  • South Salina St
  • North Salina St
  • East Genesee St
  • West Genesee St.