COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – A group has started an effort to unite veterans in North Idaho who have earned the Purple Heart.
The Military Order of the Purple Heart is a national veterans organization. It has two chapters in Southern Idaho, but none in North Idaho.
On Tuesday that organization named Coeur d'Alene and three other North Idaho cities as "Purple Heart Cities" in the hopes of expanding their reach.
Six vets from Southern Idaho were honored at the ceremony Tuesday. They were presented with ceremonial knives from a local company, Buck Knives.
But they said the bigger story is making sure that the Military Order of the Purple Heart lives on in North Idaho.
Bill Hamilton of Nampa, Idaho and five other vets from Southern Idaho traveled to Coeur d'Alene for the ceremony.
"To find out that we were getting a buck knife was amazing,” said Hamilton. “It's the first time that recognition has come back from the other side."
Local marine Graham Crutchfield presented the custom-engraved locally-made knives to each of the vets at the ceremony at the Coeur d'Alene Press building.
The vets then officially named the cities of Coeur d'Alene, Hayden, Kellogg, and Wallace as "Purple Heart Cities."
Cities are given the designation based on the idea that the city is committed to its vets.
"This is a really neat way to connect back with people who have the same unique experiences that I had,” said Ned Barker of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Barker said creating a North Idaho chapter has been a challenge.
"Because of age, inability to get them together in a central location, we just haven't been able to accomplish it yet,” said Barker.
Barker said one of the main reasons for designating Coeur d'Alene and the other cities as Purple Heart Cities is to spread awareness of the organization.
Barker said he knows there's younger vets from the war on terror that live in North Idaho and have earned Purple Hearts. He said it's now a matter of trying to get them to come together.
"If the organization is going to continue to flourish, we need to replace us old folks with some young folks,” said Barker.
If you’re interested in learning more about starting a chapter in North Idaho contact Barker at mophidaho@gmail.com or (208)-939-6784.