(KNZA)--Doniphan County has officially been designated as a Purple Heat County, following action by the County Commission during its meeting Monday.

The proclamation honors combat-wounded veterans and formally recognizes the county’s commitment to remembering their sacrifice. As part of the designation, August 7th will now be observed annually in the county as Purple Heart Day.

Residents are being encouraged to take part in future observances by attending ceremonies, displaying the American flag, and participating in tributes honoring service members who were wounded or killed in action.

The move aligns with a broader statewide initiative after the state of Kansas was officially named a Purple Heart State on March 12th, reinforcing recognition of military personnel who have been injured in combat while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Purple Heart is America’s oldest military decoration still in use, awarded to members of the armed forces who are wounded or killed in action against an enemy.

A similar proclamation was approved last week by the County Commission in neighboring Brown County, Kansas, joining a growing number of counties across the state taking part in the recognition effort.