County Board proclaims Dodge a ‘Purple Heart County’

The Dodge County Board last week proclaimed the county a “Purple Heart County” at the request of Veterans Services Director Todd Nelson.
Dodge County has a long history of stepping up and serving the country in the military services, Nelson said. From the Civil War recruits who signed up at Wasioja to today’s members of the volunteer armed forces, the Dodge County communities have strong ties to the military.
Through the years many service members and their families have felt the lasting effects of combat inflicted wounds or death, he said. These are the ones who should be held in the highest honor and so it is appropriate that the county honor them by designating Dodge County as a Purple Heart County.
As part of the proclamation ceremony, members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart presented two road signs to the county. These signs will be posted on roads entering the county. The county may also decide to post additional signs.
Board members also recognized the Purple Heart veterans with a designated parking space at the Dodge County Courthouse and also the Administration buildings.
A number of Purple Heart recipients and their families also attended the proclamation signing.
The Purple Heart is the oldest U.S. military decoration in current use. It was initially created as the Badge of Military Merit by Gen. George Washington in 1783. It is presented to service members who were wounded or killed in combat with an enemy force.