A large crowd gathered Friday to celebrate Meta’s status as a Purple Heart City, which includes the placement of three signs at entrances to the community.

Mayor Harold Libbert in his address read a proclamation, which honored the service and sacrifice of our nation’s men and women in uniform and those recipients of the Purple Heart, who served to protect the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans.

“This is a great achievement for the town,” said Garfield, representing the Order of the Purple Heart. “We don’t ask as soldiers for this award. We don’t want it, because a lot of us, we know what we have to do to get it. Either you pass away or you get wounded in combat. We just do our job.”

Gen. George Washington created the award on Aug. 7, 1782. “It was a piece of cloth from his coat that that he gave to wounded soldiers,” said Garfield, adding that Aug. 7 each year is recognized as National Purple Heart Day.

Originally, the Purple Heart was designated as the Badge of Military Merit, and later became the medal known today in 1932, on the 200th anniversary of Washington’s death. The effort to restore the award was led by Gen. Douglas MacArthur. It was designed to commemorate bravery, but also recognized soldiers with wounds.

Later, during World War II, the medal was changed into a recognition of combat injuries and deaths.

Garfield said he is working with Meta officials to present a Purple Heart flag to be flown beneath the American flag at the city park.

“It’s a sign of honor, not just for us Purple Heart recipients, but for all veterans, law enforcement, fire and medical personnel,” said Garfield. “We’re all one big team.”

Sen. Mike Bernskoetter praised the city’s dedication to veterans.

“Today is a very special day, not just for the people of Meta but for those we are honor without actions,” he said.  “The Purple Heart is one of the highest honors our military can bestow, and is the oldest military award still given today reflecting our nation’s continued willingness to face adversity, wherever it may be. It is different for most military honors in that it is not recommended. Rather, an individual is entitled to it. By becoming a Purple Heart City, Meta is showing its support for its veterans, living or deceased. This designation shows we cherish our veterans and recognize the hardships they face. We welcome them to our community, we respect them, we honor them.”

The proclamation read by Mayor Libbert acknowledges the heavy cost paid by veterans.

“The people of the city of Meta have great admiration and the utmost gratitude for all the men and women who have selflessly served their country and this community in the Armed Forces, and veterans have paid the high price of freedom by leaving their families and communities and placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all,” the proclamation reads. “Our community has a large presence of highly decorated veterans including Purple Heart recipients and the city of Meta appreciates the sacrifices our veterans made in defending our freedoms, and believes it is important that we acknowledge them for their courage and show them the honor and support they have earned.”