The Purple Heart City designation was created by the Military Order of the Purple Heart in 1992. 

Joining the Council to present were three representatives of the Military Order of the Purple Heart who are members of Atlanta Chapter 465:

• Lou Zayas

  • Lou is the Atlanta Chapter Commander and Senior Vice Commander for the Georgia Region

  • He served as a helicopter door gunner in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967 and then served with the 82nd Airborne

• Jerry Hughes

  • Jerry is the Finance Office for the Atlanta Chapter

  • He served with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade in Vietnam from 1968 to 1971

• James Gordon

  • Welfare Officer for the Atlanta Chapter

  • U.S. Army 1963 to 1970, combat medic in Vietnam

 A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY OF PEACHTREE CORNERS, GEORGIA RECOGNIZING PEACHTREE CORNERS AS A PURPLE HEART CITY

WHEREAS, the City of Peachtree Corners has a proud history of supporting our military veteran population and deeply honors the sacrifice and service of the men and women who have served in the armed forces of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the Purple Heart Medal is the oldest military decoration in present use being the first award made available to the common soldier, and is specifically awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who have been wounded in combat or have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms being killed in action against a declared enemy of the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, Peachtree Corners recognizes the courage of those who have been awarded the Purple Heart, distinguishing themselves by acts of extraordinary bravery and valor; and

WHEREAS, Peachtree Corners has a large veteran population, including Purple Heart recipients: and

WHEREAS, Peachtree Corners proudly counts among its Mayor, City Council, and city staff numerous veterans, including esteemed individuals who have not only served with distinction but have also been decorated for their valorous actions in combat, reflecting their commitment to the principles of freedom and democracy; and

WHEREAS, the presence of these brave individuals within the fabric of the local governance and administration enhances the collective commitment to service, fosters a deeper understanding of military sacrifices, and underscores the importance of remembering those who have paid a high price for our freedoms; and

WHEREAS, establishing Peachtree Corners as a Purple Heart City serves as a public expression of the city’s unyielding appreciation for the sacrifices of its military members, past and present, and their families; and

WHEREAS, the Military Order of the Purple Heart was founded in 1932 with the mission to foster an environment of goodwill among combat-wounded veterans and their families, promote patriotism, and, most importantly, to ensure we never forget the sacrifices of our veterans; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate that we remember and recognize the sacrifice of our nation’s Purple Heart recipients and show them the honor and support they have earned;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that I, Mike Mason, Mayor of Peachtree Corners, on behalf of the City Council and all citizens, do hereby proclaim Peachtree Corners as a Purple Heart City, committed to the ideals of liberty, justice, and democracy for which these heroes have valiantly fought and sacrificed.

SO PROCLAIMED AND EFFECTIVE, this the 21ST day of May, 2024.