Erie County has been designated a Purple Heart County, honoring those who were killed or wounded during combat of war and awarded this distinguished honor. The first sign marking this designation was unveiled Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015 during a ceremony at the Rath Building.

Erie County Legislator Kevin Hardwick was joined by County Executive Mark Poloncarz, representatives from the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter # 187 – Commander Ken Speaker, Chairman Bob Segool and Senior Vice Commander Russell Ward, members of the Erie County Legislature, Assemblyman Robin Schimminger, City of Tonawanda Mayor and Air Force veteran Rick Davis, Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient Ronald Pilozzi, and Rev. Andrew Abraham, who served in the Persian Gulf War, to unveil the sign and honor Purple Heart recipients.

“These signs will forever remind all who enter Erie County that we are proud to honor our Purple Heart recipients for their service and sacrifices. Erie County is exceptionally proud of the men and women who served in our armed forces and I am proud to announce Erie County is a Purple Heart County,” said Legislator Hardwick.

“With these Purple Heart signs, Erie County is proudly declaring our commitment to our veterans and honoring the many brave men and women who have sacrificed for our freedoms. On Veterans Day and all year long, our veterans deserve our thanks and gratitude and this is another way to show Erie County’s appreciation for all they have done,” said County Executive Poloncarz.

“Our Military Order of the Purple Heart appreciates that Erie County is honoring those soldiers who have been killed or wounded during wartime combat, for it is their sacrifice along with all other veterans that makes for all Americans to live in a free country as a one America,” said Senior Vice Commander Ward, Military Order of the Purple Heart - Chapter #187.

The unveiling comes just one day before the 2015 Veterans Day holiday in which veterans’ posts, municipalities, businesses and organizations will honor all who served and are serving today.  In total, Erie County will place six Purple Heart signs on major thoroughfares throughout the county, and they will be installed during the next few weeks.