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3 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Grants Pass boy dies after raft capsizes on Rogue River ... Murders at Crater Lake: The slaying of auto-parts reps in 1952 remains a mystery ... Our View: Law lets lobbyists keep public in the dark ... Grants Pass boy dies after raft capsizes on Rogue River ... Murders at Crater Lake: The slaying of auto-parts reps in 1952 remains a mystery ... Our View: Law lets lobbyists keep public in the dark ... SINCE YOU ASKED No requirements for 'Purple Heart City' expression of gratitude Since You Asked: No requirements for 'Purple Heart City' expression of gratitude MailTribune.com Writer Posted Aug. 15, 2015 @ 12:01 am Posted Aug. 15, 2015 @ 12:01 am » Social News p bs:newslist StartDate="20121121" EndDate="p bs:datecalc Months="3"" DateSort="1" UseObjects="1" ObjectClass="81" Taxonomywords="2325,665" ExactTaxonomyMatch="1" Image="1" Count="4" --> There is a sign near the south Medford interchange that says "Medford Oregon, Purple Heart City." What does it take to get such an honor? — JJ, Medford   Similar to how it's easy to forget the acts of heroism our servicemen and women have made in the midst of our mundane errands, it can be unclear just how Medford honors Purple Heart recipients when we're focused on merging on and off the freeway. Mayor Gary Wheeler proclaimed Medford to be a Purple Heart City on Feb. 6, 2014, according to an article that appeared in the Mail Tribune the next day. About two dozen veterans observed the presentation, including Larry Rupp, commander of the Rogue Valley Military of the Purple Heart. At the time of Medford's proclamation, Albany was the only other city with the designation; there are currently nine cities in the Beaver State, with Forest Grove most recently making the proclamation on Aug. 10, 2015. We reached out to John E. Bircher III, public relations director of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, for clarification on what's involved in achieving the designation.  It turns out, the only requirement is gratitude. "Actually, this is not an initiative by the MOPH, although the local chapters do get involved," Bircher emailed in a response. "It is an expression of gratitude to the sons and daughters of that community who gave their lives or were wounded in combat defending the freedoms that all Americans enjoy." Although in the process many municipalities reach out to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, a congressionally chartered war veterans organization, Bircher explained that it isn't necessary. "Any city, county, state sports team, or any other entity can become a "Purple Heart" entity," Bircher emailed. Bircher explained that the typical Purple Heart City process involves the mayor and/or city council performing a proclamation, which then is presented to the local chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. In turn, the organization arranges as many Purple Heart recipients to attend the ceremony. The military order also provides the city a plaque commemorating the occasion, a Purple Heart flag the city can fly, particularly for National Purple Heart Day on Aug. 7, and "proud supporter" pins for everyone attending the ceremony. MailTribune.com Writer Posted Aug. 15, 2015 @ 12:01 am » Comment or view comments /* $( document ).ready(function() { // Jquery mobile is trying to style the button and leaving a blank gry button on top of a white button $("#viafouracoms .vf-comment-controls li.vf-right").html(' Submit '); });*/ » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501