Healdton becomes Carter County’s second ‘Purple Heart City’

HEALDTON, Okla. (KXII) - In a special ceremony on Wednesday, the city of Healdton officially became Carter County’s second purple heart city. City Manager Gus Handke says its their way to give back to veterans.

“We think it goes a long way in showing our veterans and the people who serve in our community that we appreciate you, we recognize the sacrifices that you’ve made, we appreciate your service,” Handke said.

The purple heart is the nation’s oldest military award, given to those wounded or killed in combat, and has over two million recipients.

“Its a medal that just runs deep of the sacrifice, some of their stories, they tell of losing their buddy next to them, they come back not the same,” Purple Heart ambassador Amy Stout said.

A new purple heart city sign was unveiled, which will be installed at the entrances to city limits on highway 76, proudly displaying their support for veteran’s sacrifices.

“The service people that we have are likely to be deployed anywhere in the world at any minute, and we just want them to know that we appreciate your willingness to stand in our place,” Handke added.

Veterans from across southern Oklahoma attended the event, sharing their stories and honoring those that paid the price for freedom.

“Anytime I see somebody with a purple heart, I know that they gave more than most,” Oklahoma National Guard Healdton veteran Ronnie Hayes stated.

“There’s the rifle that shot me, I still have the rifle, you don’t say that about many people, I got to admit I’m the luckiest guy alive,” US Marine veteran and purple heart recipient James Thompson said.

“For the longest time there wasn’t much of that for Vietnam veterans, so its kind of neat to see this and its just good to be a part of it again,” US Army Vietnam veteran and purple heart recipient Paul Lonnstrom added.