Post Falls now stands by its neighboring cities of Hayden, Wallace, Kellogg and Coeur d’Alene as a Purple Heart City. Mayor Ron Jacobson proclaimed Post Falls to be a Purple Heart City during Tuesday night’s city council meeting.

In order to become a Purple Heart City, cities must commit to support their veterans, Purple Heart recipients and the military.

“I think that pretty well characterizes the city of Post Falls,” Jacobson said. “The city of Post Falls, Idaho has always supported the active military service and veteran populations, and the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women from Post Falls who have served in the armed forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and ways of life enjoyed by our citizens.”

Jacobson was confused to read an article in The Press about how Kellogg, Hayden and Coeur d’Alene had all become Purple Heart Cities only a few months ago. He said if the city of Post Falls had known, they would have been there.

“Post falls has the honor of being the home to many decorated veterans, including recipients of the Purple Heart,” he said to the 10-plus veterans that attended the city council meeting.

Commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Ned Baker, and local Purple Heart recipient and active promoter of veteran support, Len Crosby, gave the city a sign to prove it is a Purple Heart City. A designated Purple Heart recipient parking space has already been installed at Post Falls City Hall.

According to Crosby, more than 1.7 million Purple Heart medals have been awarded since the Revolutionary War and 3,709 Purple Hearts have been awarded to Idahoans serving in the Armed Forces. He emphasized the Purple Heart medal is a combat decoration that no soldier seeks to receive.

“We appreciate the action that the city of Post Falls is taking today and their agreement to keep this symbol of those sacrifices visible in our community,” Crosby told the City Council. “As the mayor said, this is just another action in a long and consistent record of this city’s strong support for our veterans and their families. They’ve continued to provide strong support for our veterans services organizations.”