PURPLE HEART TRAIL
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Purple Heart Trail is to create a symbolic and honorary system of roads, highways, bridges, monuments, and other entities to give tribute to the men and women who have been sacrificed themselves greatly, earning the award of the Purple Heart medal. The Purple Heart Trail creates a visual reminder of those who have paid a high price for the freedom we enjoy in free society. Signs placed at various locations annotate roads, highways, governing bodies, and other entities where legislation, proclamation, or resolution has been passed to designate as part of the Purple Heart Trail. The actual format and design of the signs vary from state to state and location to location, but all suggest a great reverence toward those who have been awarded the solemn distinction of the Purple Heart.
ORIGIN STORY
The Purple Heart Trail was established in 1992 by the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH). The original idea for the Purple Heart Trail came from Patriot Frank J. Kuhn, Jr., a member of MOPH Chapter 1732 in Virginia. His idea was carried to the National level of the organization by fellow Patriot George Gallagher, a member of Virginia MOPH Chapter 353, who was also a former National Adjutant of the organization. Patriot Gallagher introduced Patriot Kuhn’s idea as a resolution during the 1992 MOPH National Convention held in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. The resolution was approved and the MOPH National Purple Heart Trail began. The Purple Heart Trail originates as a monument in Mt Vernon, Virginia; the burial location of George Washington. This monument marks the official origin of the Purple Heart Trail and was dedicated on August 7, 1998.
The design on this monument was created by Mickey Gallagher, the wife of George Gallagher. Her initials (MG) are indicated on the lower right corner as you view the monument.
KANSAS PURPLE HEART ENTITIES
Click Below for Purple Heart Entities in Kansas:
BECOME PART OF THE PURPLE HEART TRAIL
Check out the below link for information on how to designate your entity as a part of the Purple Heart Trail:
WANT TO SEE MORE?
Check out the Military Order of the Purple Heart website to see trail entity designations in your home state: