North Bend Mayor Mary Miller has begun the process to recognize North Bend as a Purple Heart City, honoring those injured or killed while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Mayor Miller stated, "We commit ourselves and our community to remembering and honoring recipients of the Purple Heart Award in our words, hearts and actions," according to the City of North Bend.
The announcement was made at a City Council meeting attended by veterans, including Purple Heart recipient David Waggoner and American Legion Post 79 members Mike Johnston, George Townsend, and Robert Butterfield. Butterfield shared, "I’m very proud of the time that I served. It gave me the experiences necessary for the ultimate career that I ended up pursuing, which was a firefighter here in this town for almost 30 years,” as reported by the City of North Bend.
Waggoner noted the work on veterans’ projects, including flag installations and the Veterans Memorial Garden outside North Bend City Hall, developed with the city, veterans groups, the Snoqualmie Tribe, and Snoqualmie Casino. North Bend will continue efforts to become a Purple Heart City with the Military Order of the Purple Heart, including plans for permanent markers and public memorials. Waggoner said, "It’s an honor to be here." More information is available on the Renton-Pickering Post 79 webpage or the city’s YouTube page and Media Center, as stated by the City of North Bend.
