Mayor Todd Johannsen has signed a proclamation designating Wagner a Purple Heart City which will add Wagner to the Purple Heart Trail. At the City Council meeting on April 3, representatives from the Department of the Dakotas Purple Heart Chapter presented signs that will be displayed on highways leading into Wagner.

The State Highway Department will place signs on the east and west end of town on Hwy 46-50 while the Wagner Maintenance Department will install signs on both ends of County Road 11 leading into Wagner from the north and south. Additionally, 2 signs were provided for Purple Heart parking only and two for Veterans only parking. The placing of those signs will be determined at a later date.

Local veterans, Purple Heart Medal recipients, and community members were present to recognize the addition of Wagner to the Purple Heart Trail. Wagner will be added to the Purple Heart Trail map which shows all roads, trails, monuments and cities that have proclaimed they are a Purple Heart entity.

The purpose of the Purple Heart Trail is to create a symbolic and honorary system of roads, highways, bridges, and other monuments that give tribute to the men and women who have been awarded the Purple Heart medal. The Purple Heart Trail accomplishes this honorary goal by creating a visual reminder to those who use the road system that others have paid a high price for their freedom to travel and live in a free society. Signs placed at various locations annotate those roads and highways where legislation has been passed to designate parts of the national road system as The Purple Heart Trail. The actual format and design of the signs vary from state to state. There are currently designated sections in 45 states as well as Guam. The Purple Heart Trail was established in 1992 by the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The original idea for the Purple Heart Trail came from Patriot Frank J. Kuhn, Jr., a member of Chapter 1732 in Virginia. His idea was carried to the national level by Patriot George Gallagher, a member of Virginia Chapter 353. Patriot Gallagher was a former National Adjutant. Patriot Gallagher introduced Patriot Kuhn’s Purple Heart Trail idea as a resolution during the 1992 MOPH National Convention held in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. The resolution was approved and the MOPH National Purple Heart Trail began.

The Purple Heart Trail originates at a monument in Mt Vernon, Virginia. Mt Vernon is the burial location of George Washington. This monument marks the origin of the Purple Heart Trail.

“As you travel the Purple Heart Trails, please take a moment to remember the bloodshed and the ultimate sacrifices that have been paid for our nation’s freedom.”