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Veterans, Purple Heart chapter propose memorial and Purple Heart community status in Tusayan
Summary
Local veterans presented a proposal for a Tusayan Grand Canyon Community Veterans Memorial and asked the council to consider a Purple Heart community proclamation; council asked staff to bring a resolution for future consideration and encouraged collecting names of local veterans.
Representatives of local veterans' organizations asked the Tusayan Town Council on Feb. 11 to consider establishing a Veterans Memorial and adopting a Purple Heart community proclamation.
John Davison, serving as a veterans liaison, described a proposal titled "Tusayan Grand Canyon Community Veterans Memorial & Monument Proposal," asking the council to consider a memorial area with flags and a digital kiosk that could be updated as new veterans are identified. Davison also proposed a Havasupai Scout Warrior Memorial and asked citizens to begin collecting names of local veterans for the town's records.
Rodger Ely, commander of the Order of the Purple Heart Dale E. Crick Chapter 793, asked the council to consider a proclamation making Tusayan a Purple Heart community, saying many Arizona cities, counties and universities have affiliated designations and that there is no cost to the town for the proclamation. Town Manager Hendrix said a resolution would be required and that staff would work with the veterans and bring the item forward to the council designees for drafting.
Don Watahomigie, introduced as a long-time Grand Canyon resident and Havasupai tribal leader, and Ben Gomez, a veteran who helped arrange the visit, spoke in support of recognizing veterans in town. Mayor Clarinda Vail, participating by Zoom, thanked the presenters and indicated the council would follow up.
Council members expressed support for pursuing steps to formalize recognition and requested staff produce a draft resolution or proclamation for a future meeting.
