Livingston set to become the 12th city in Tennessee registered as a Purple Heart City.
American Legion Post 004 Commander Ken Werner said he and Livingston Mayor Lori Elder Burnett got the idea to become a Purple Heart City after speaking with an author. Matthew Sims wrote “Why My Heart Is Purple.” Werner said becoming a Purple Heart City is a way for the city to recognize veterans who have been wounded or killed in combat.
“I’m a Vietnam Veteran, but I was fortunate I did not get wounded in combat,” Werner said. “I’ve got other wounds that are unseen if you know what I’m talking about. So you know that’s why it’s, to me it’s something that the city does for veterans, and just shows their appreciation for what we went through.”
Werner said the city has already signed a proclamation and will have a ceremony on August 29, part of Purple Heart Month. Werner said seeing Livingston become a Purple Heart City is emotionally touching for a lot of the local veterans.
“It’s humbling because, especially with my era, the Vietnam veterans were not heroes,” Werner said. “We came back, and we were spit on. We were called baby killers, had people rip or tearing stuff off of our uniforms, you know, because the Vietnam War was technically not a war. It was a political battle, is what it was. And you know, when I see a city that recognizes veterans, I mean, I’m all in. It’s just very very humbling and brings me back to earth, let’s put it that way.”
Werner said the city will be getting some signs for people to see that the city appreciates veterans.
“One of the requirements for the city or the county is you have to have a sign at each entrance to the city,” Werner said. “So we’ll have one up Highway 111 North, Highway 111 South, and then Celina Highway.”
Werner said the city has been very supportive in the initiative. Werner said he is also making efforts to get Overton County to become a Purple Heart County.
