One of Franklin’s recipients was Jim Howe, who received his two awards for two battles in Vietnam. He served in the 21st air wing of the Marines.
“I thought the honors and the accolades were just outstanding, and I think it’s way overdue,” he said. “The thing that surprised me the most was that out of all the cities in Ohio that Franklin was in the top 20. That’s unreal.”
Reading from a proclamation, Mayor Scott Lipps commended the “valor of the extraordinary men and women who have earned the Purple Heart … we confirm our commitment to honor those who serve and have served so faithfully in defense of our freedoms.”
Bray, who helped bring the designation to Franklin, was impressed with the turnout of several dozen people, including about a dozen veterans or family members present who received a Purple Heart flag.
“I think it’s going to make Franklin more involved with our veterans,” Bray said of the Purple Heart designation. “Some of our younger people may have pride and honor but maybe not show it. Now they can step up to the plate and show a little more.”
Franklin is now one of 13 cities in Ohio to be named a Purple Heart City. Its neighbor, Springboro, received the designation last year, with Springboro Mayor John Agenbroad attending Monday’s ceremony.
The designation is given by the Military Order of the Purple Heart. According to that group, the award dates back to the Revolutionary War, when it was called the Badge of Military Merit. More than 1.7 million Purple Hearts have been awarded.
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