Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – The City of Laredo has been proclaimed as a Purple Heart City on Monday, November 15, 2021. Lazaro O. Camarillo, III, State Commander of the Department of Texas Military Order of the Purple Heart, presented this distinction during a press conference and proclamation ceremony at City Hall Council Chambers. The designation of a Purple Heart City was an item introduced by Council Member for District 6, Dr. Marte Martinez, and was approved by the Laredo City Council on June 2021. Laredo, Texas is one of 200 cities nationwide that have received this prestigious title. The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration, created as the Badge of Military Merit by General George Washington in 1782, to honor all military service members who have been wounded or killed during combat. City leaders shared some remarks including Mayor Pete Saenz, Council Member for District 6, Marte Martinez, and City Manager, Robert A. Eads.
“Today, I am even more proud to be called a Laredoan,” stated Mayor Pete Saenz during the ceremony. “The Purple Heart City designation is among one of the most prestigious honors a city can receive. To our military service, such special warriors, whether alive or deceased, we honor you with rightful praise of appreciation for your commitment to duty and performance during times of war or peace. By proclaiming Laredo as a Purple Heart City, we are committing to remembering acts of courage and resiliency from our brave men and women.”
“Our veterans deserve to be memorialized and celebrated, this designation is one step in which we do that,” shared Council Member Marte Martinez. “I want to thank Mayor Pete Saenz and the Laredo City Council for their support and understanding why it is important to remember the sacrifices of our veterans so we can exercise our freedoms. Your protection and bravery will allow us to do that.”
City Manager, Robert A. Eads, also added, “through this designation, we also embody our true values as a city: resilience, loyalty, and strong devotion to our nation and community.”
During the ceremony, other Purple Heart recipients also shared remarks including Roque Vela, Sr., Victor Salazar, and Barry Bernier. As a Purple Heart City recipient, the City of Laredo will have the responsibility to honor and remember military personnel who have been wounded or paid the ultimate sacrifice in combat.
