Seventeen Purple Heart recipients to be honored at Wenatchee ceremony

WENATCHEE — Seventeen local veterans who were wounded or killed in combat will be honored during the second annual Purple Heart ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 7, at the Wenatchee Veterans Hall.

The event, organized by the Chelan County Veterans Program, will run from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at 1206 N. Wenatchee Ave. It will include the Presentation of Colors by Wenatchee Valley VFW Post 3617 and American Legion Post 10. Light refreshments will be served.

“Last year’s event – the first for our region – was very moving,” said John Tamngin, Chelan County Veterans Services officer. “Seeing and talking to a veteran with Purple Heart medal is such a great honor and privilege because there is at least an equal number of medal recipients who did not live to receive it.”

The 2025 honorees served in U.S. military conflicts ranging from World War I to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their names will be added to a plaque in the Hall of Honor at the Chelan County Veterans Services Office alongside the 2024 recipients.

The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in use today. Originally known as the Badge of Military Merit, it was renamed in 1932 and is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have been wounded or killed in combat.

In 1991, the Washington State Legislature recognized Aug. 7 as a day to honor Purple Heart recipients.

Following the lead of Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, and Chelan and Douglas counties, the cities of Chelan and Waterville will join this year in proclaiming themselves Purple Heart Cities. Municipalities with this designation are encouraged to notify the Purple Heart Trail organization and will have signs installed at their entrances. The signs, paid for by American Legion Post 10, are expected to be installed later this year.