Purple Heart ceremony returns for third consecutive year with growing support

CHELAN COUNTY — Over the past several years, a commitment to honor local Purple Heart recipients has gained momentum throughout the region, with a growing number of Purple Heart Communities and an annual recognition event on National Purple Heart Day.

This year is no different. The Regional Purple Heart Recognition Event will return on Aug. 7 at the Wenatchee Convention Center. The same day, a separate recognition will be held in Manson, the region’s newest Purple Heart Community.

The Regional Purple Heart Recognition Event is a ceremony honoring the courage, sacrifice and service of military members wounded or killed in combat. The Purple Heart is the nation's oldest military decoration still awarded to service members.

The annual regional event recognizes local Purple Heart recipients by inducting them into the Chelan County Hall of Honor. At least six veterans will be inducted this year, according to county officials. The Hall of Honor is a perpetual plaque displayed at the Chelan County Veterans Service Office.

Among last year’s honorees was Tony Montoya, who received a Purple Heart for his service in the Vietnam War. On the night of May 22, 1968, while stationed near the Cambodian border atop a mountain overlooking the Ho Chi Minh Trail, PFC Montoya came under intense mortar attack. 

The recognition has grown throughout the region since 2024, when communities throughout the region began honoring recipients by formally proclaiming themselves as Purple Heart Communities.

"It’s inspiring to watch our community embrace this event every year. We had to move it to the convention center this year because of the outpouring of support,” said Amber Murillo-Vera, Chelan County Community Services manager.

According to officials, Chelan County, Douglas County and the cities of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee were the first to become Purple Heart Communities. The cities of Chelan and Waterville joined the effort last year.

This year, the American Legion and the Manson Community Council installed its first Purple Heart Community sign on the Tapped Out Sport Bar.

"Purple Heart recognition events serve as a meaningful opportunity for our communities to come together in gratitude and respect for those who have sacrificed so much in service to our country,” added Murillo-Vera. “We are also watching our veterans’ stories inspire future generations.”

The public is invited to attend both events on Aug. 7. The recognition at the Wenatchee Convention Center will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. The Manson event will start at noon at Tapped Out Sports Bar, 222 E. Wapato Way.