Manson to celebrate first Purple Heart Day as designated Purple Heart Community

Representatives of the Manson American Legion, Manson Community Council, Historic Downtown Manson Association and Manson Chamber of Commerce gather July 28 beside one of two new Purple Heart Community signs installed back-to-back along Highway 150. Pictured, from left, are Craig Pittson, Mary Lynn Thompson, Timi Starkweather, Kim Ustanik, Pam James, Gerry Ustanik and Norm Manly.

COURTESY OF MANSON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Posted Monday, July 27, 2026 5:16 pm

NCW News
Ward Media

MANSON — The Manson community will commemorate its first Purple Heart Day as an officially designated Purple Heart Community with a public ceremony at noon Aug. 7 at Tapped Out Sports Bar.

Manson received its Purple Heart Community designation on April 20, recognizing the town's commitment to honoring service members who were wounded or killed in combat.

The ceremony will begin at noon and feature the presentation of the colors by American Legion Post 108, patriotic music, recognition of Purple Heart recipients and remarks from community partners.

Tapped Out owner Todd Link, a veteran and supporter of American Legion Post 108, will offer a 30% discount to veterans and their families during the event.

Earlier this month, the American Legion installed the first of six Purple Heart Community signs throughout Manson. One of the signs was placed at Tapped Out Sports Bar, symbolizing the community's commitment to recognizing Purple Heart recipients.

Following the Manson ceremony, attendees are invited to travel to Wenatchee for the Chelan County Purple Heart Day event at 5 p.m., where Manson will be recognized as the county's newest Purple Heart Community.

The event is open to the public. Organizers encourage community members to attend and help establish Purple Heart Day as an annual tradition in Manson.

Norm Manly contributed to this report.