(KMZA)--The city of Seneca has been proclaimed as a Purple Heart City.

Mayor Joe Mitchell read a proclamation at the Seneca City Council's August 7th meeting making the declaration, which the Council approved.

Local resident Marcia Philbrick with the Nemaha County Historical Society sought the declaration in honor of local recipients of the Purple Heart medal Philbrick said her research identified about 300 Purple Heart recipients in the county. After finding no existing list, she utilized memorials and historical newspaper issues to compile one.

The Purple Heart medal is presented to U.S. military service members who have been wounded or killed by enemy fire. It was originally awarded by George Washington in 1782 to recognize meritorious service in combat. It is the nation's oldest and one of the most distinguished military awards.

Philbrick says the next step will be apply to get the city of Seneca listed on the Purple Heart Trail. Established in 1992 by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the trail aims to create a symbolic and honorary system of roads, highways, bridges and monuments that pay tribute to Purple Heart recipients.