County supports Purple Heart proposal

The county has formally offered its support to the Town of Hulett’s efforts to designate a Purple Heart Highway in tribute to those wounded in service to their country.

The effort would designate Highway 24, which runs from south of Devils Tower, through Hulett and east to Aladdin, as part of the symbolic and honorary system of roads, bridges and monuments nationwide that honor the men and women who have been awarded the Purple Heart.

The Purple Heart Trail was established in 1992 by the Military Order of the Purple Heart and originates at Mt. Vernon in Virginia, the burial location of George Washington. Purple Heart communities and entities exist across the nation; in Wyoming, it includes the City of Dubois and the National Museum of Military Vehicles.

Hulett became the second Purple Heart Community in Wyoming in 2023 during a ceremony attended by Governor Mark Gordon, Maj. Gen. Greg Porter and Veterans Commission Chairman Jake Jacobs.

This new designation would continue Hulett’s efforts to recognize Purple Heart recipients in the Crook County community.

Expressing the admiration and gratitude that this community has for the men and women who have and are “selflessly serving their country and this community”, the Crook County Commission signed a letter of support last week.

“The contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens,” the commissioners wrote.

“Many men and women in uniform have given their lives while serving in the Armed Forces; and citizens of our country have received the Purple Heart Medal as a result of being wounded while engaged in combat with an enemy force, construed as a singularly meritorious act of essential service.”

Seeking to remember and recognize these veterans, the commission wrote that they support the Town of Hulett in its efforts.