Roanoke Island proclaimed the first Purple Heart Island

Published 2:50 pm Wednesday, September 18, 2024

: Lauren Wright and Kevin Wallace brought a proclamation to the Dare County Board of Commissioners declaring Roanoke Island the first Purple Heart Island. The proclamation along with placement of a plaque at the Dare County Veterans Memorial in Manteo was adopted unanimously by the commissioners. Mary Helen Goodloe-Murphy photo

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On Sept. 3, 2024, Lauren Wright and Kevin Wallace, a member of the Dare County Veterans Advisory Council, brought a proclamation to the Dare County Board of Commissioners proclaiming Roanoke Island the first Purple Heart Island.

The Purple Heart was the first American service award and decoration made available to the common soldier. It is specifically awarded to any member of the United States Armed Forces wounded or killed in combat with a declared enemy of the United States. It was first created as the Badge of Military Merit by George Washington in 1782. It is the oldest military decoration presently in use.

According to the presentation, the Roanoke Island has a large and highly decorated active duty and veteran population, including at least four Purple Heart recipients.

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The proclamation states “Roanoke Island appreciates the sacrifices the Purple Heart recipients have made defending our freedoms and believe it is important that we acknowledge them for their immense courage and unselfish service to their Nation.”

The adopted document proclaims Roanoke Island as the first Purple Heart Island and “encourages the citizens and residents of Roanoke Island to show their appreciation for the sacrifices Purple Heart recipients have made defending our freedoms, to recognize their valor and to show them the honor and support that have earned.”

Asked how this initiative came about, Wright explained that she became interested in the Military Order of the Purple Heart USA. The mission of this organization is “to foster an environment of goodwill among the combat wounded Veterans and their families, promote patriotism, support legislative initiatives, and most important, make certain we never forget; …”

Wright read the proclamation.

Before the adoption of the proclamation, Robert L. Woodard, chairman of the Dare County Board of Commissioners, proposed placing a plaque in the Dare County Veterans Memorial, located at 300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue in Manteo. The idea was incorporated into the action of the board, which adopted the proclamation unanimously.

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