A new resolution honoring Moniteau County men and women veterans who paid the ultimate price for our nation was approved by members of the county commission Aug. 8.
The commission received word from Walt Schley expressing interest in turning each county within Missouri into a Purple Heart county. Moniteau County made his rounds for this request. Schley is not only the Commander for the Department of Missouri, Military Order of the Purple Heart, but is also a retired Chief Warrant Officer - Five with the Marine Corps.
According to the resolution, "our county is home to many men and women veterans who have paid the price of freedom by leaving their families, friends and homes and placing themselves in harm's way to help secure liberty for all of our citizens. The county has numerous memorials honoring veterans from the Civil War through World War I and II, Korean and Vietnam Wars and to present day conflicts. The county recognizes and honors the service of those who were wounded or killed by the enemy and serving our nation and protecting our freedoms."
The Purple Heart, created by George Washington in 1782, was originally named the Badge of Military Merit. This honor is the oldest military decoration still in use to this day. The resolution also states that the Purple Heart was the first American Service Award that was made readily available to the common soldier. The award is presented to any member of the United States Armed Forces who was wounded or killed in combat with a declared enemy of the United States.
At a later date, a plaque declaring Moniteau County as a Purple Heart County will be presented at a commissioner meeting. This action will also add Moniteau County to the Military Order of the Purple Heart National Database.