Detroit Becomes A Purple Heart City

DETROIT (WWJ) - Flying high in the air at City Hall the Purple Heart Flag takes its place with the American flag as a symbol of honor, valor and sacrifice.

Ahead of Memorial Day, mayor Mike Duggan, along with city council have declared Detroit a Purple Heart City. The declaration pays tribute to Detroit residents who were wounded or killed in combat.

Veteran John Burshur, whose leg was injured with shrapnel during a mortar rocket attack while serving in Vietnam, is with the Military Order of the Purple Heart: "I was in special forces Vietnam in 1969 to 1970 and that's were I was wounded."

Prayers and the presentation of colors filled the backdrop for the city honor reports WWJ's Vickie Thomas.

"I think it was a special day," said Duggan. "I think (Detroit City) council president Brenda Jones deserved a lot of credit for bringing this forward - we haven't done enough to honor and repay and our veterans particularly those who are here today who were injured in battle."

Jones spoke during the proclamation outside city hall: "Today is a great day ... we are letting our Vietnam and all of our veterans know that we appreciate them - that we are here for them and that Detroit welcomes veterans to our Purple Heart City.