HONOLULU (KHON2) — An official ceremony that took place on Friday, Aug. 8, unveiled new signs honoring Purple Heart recipients across the island.
Hosted by Mayor Rick Blangiardi, signs were installed around eight locations around Oahu, including Honolulu Hale, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, the Arizona Memorial and in the vicinity of several military installations.
“The men and women who have earned Purple Heart medals deserve our absolute highest praise and eternal gratitude. They put their bodies and their lives on the line to defend this country, to uphold freedom and to protect all of us; and that should never be forgotten,” said Blangiardi. “We are so proud to be able to take this opportunity to install these beautiful signs, which are a meaningful reflection of the City and County of Honolulu’s unwavering resolve to eternally honor the brave men and women who are true heroes.”
In 2024, Blangiardi signed Bill 7 into law, which designated Honolulu as a “Purple Heart City”.
“This is more than just a sign – it stands as a profound symbol of our aloha and commitment to honor those who were injured in the line of duty while serving our country,” said Councilmember Augie Tulba. “I deeply appreciate the partnership and tireless advocacy of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Rainbow Chapter #483, whose members are not only veterans but also our neighbors, friends, and family. By placing these signs throughout our community, we take a meaningful, visible step to recognize the sacrifices of those who have served in the military, reminding every resident and visitor of the courage and dedication that define the champions who have protected our nation.”
The ceremony also commemorated National Purple Heart Day, which is held annually on Thursday, Aug. 7, to remember military members who were wounded or killed in action.
“These wonderful new signs and today’s moving ceremony send a powerful and resounding message to our military community that they are truly recognized for their sacrifices and that they are deeply appreciated here in the City and County of Honolulu,” said retired U.S. Army Colonel Ed Cruickshank. “We are enormously grateful to Mayor Rick Blangiardi, his administration, Councilmember Augie Tulba, and to the entire Honolulu City Council for their leadership and their commitment to honor the legacy of our inspirational Purple Heart recipients and their families.”
A full list of sign locations is as follows:
- Arizona Memorial.
- Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu International Airport.
- Fort Shafter (H-201 westbound offramp).
- Honolulu Hale.
- Kāneʻohe Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi (entrance to base on H-3).
- Kapolei Hale.
- Pūowaina/National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.
- Tripler Army Medical Center (H-201 eastbound offramp).
The City plans to install additional signs in more prominent locations across the island over time.