Mayor Debbie Sullivan read a proclamation on July 15 designating August 7 as National Purple Heart Day in Tumwater and presented the proclamation to local Purple Heart and veterans organizations.

Sullivan described the Purple Heart as the oldest U.S. military decoration and said the proclamation aims to "raise awareness of the heroism of service members and their families" and to encourage the council to consider adopting a Purple Heart City designation. Sullivan noted the city would follow a two-step process to pursue the designation and said she would provide copies of the proclamation and invite photos with council members.

Jim Peterson, representing combat-wounded Purple Heart veterans, thanked the city and described the Purple Heart Trail, an honorary network of roads and memorial signage. Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 318 and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 41 were present; DAV members described Chapter 41’s long local presence and gave a contact location for the chapter at 3535 Martin Way near IHOP and 7‑Eleven.

Councilmember Angela Jefferson, a retired 25‑year Army soldier, thanked organizers and said she had hoped for a local DAV chapter because it improves veterans’ access to services. The mayor said city staff will follow up and that additional information about next steps will be provided.

The proclamation is ceremonial; council did not take a separate binding vote on adopting Purple Heart City status during the meeting. The mayor signed the proclamation on the date shown in the document.