The Torrance City Council declared Torrance a Purple Heart City and proclaimed Aug. 7, 2025, as Purple Heart Day in the city.

Mayor George Chen read the proclamation recognizing the Purple Heart as the nation’s oldest military decoration and noting the city’s desire to join the Purple Heart Trail. Commander Zeferino Madrigo and Adjutant Vladimir Rodriguez of Chapter 210 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart accepted the proclamation on behalf of the chapter.

Commander Madrigo thanked the city and highlighted that the proclamation is more than ceremonial: “By joining the Purple Heart Trail, Torrance ensures the sacrifice of our nation’s heroes will not be forgotten,” he said, and he thanked city officials and donors who supported the recognition.

Council members, staff and representatives of the chapter joined for a photo on the council chamber floor; a local Purple Heart recipient also joined the group for the presentation. The proclamation is a ceremonial act recognizing Purple Heart recipients and does not create a new city program or budget appropriation.