Hernando County is now designated as a Purple Heart county. The purpose is to recognize and honor those injured and killed in combat.
Chris Boreland was injured by an roadside bomb while fighting in Iraq. He receive a Purple Heart for his bravery.
“To realize, wait a second, I have a Purple Heart. And every time I read the history of it it’s always shocking to realize, I’m now part of that history,” Boreland said.
In 1782 General George Washington established the Purple Heart as a Badge of Military merit.
Hernando County Commissioner Jeff Holcomb said, “As a veteran myself, I am proud to honor our local wounded veterans with this new Hernando County designation and sincerely thank all of our servicemen and women for their dedication to our great Country."
Hernando County will be the 65th Florida municipality to honor Purple Heart Veterans with this resolution. The aim is to make Florida the first state with each county designated as a Purple Heart County.
“It’s cool that this is happening three days before the 242nd birthday of the marine corp.,” Boreland said.
