From lighting The Dublin Link to recognizing residents who served in the U.S. armed forces, the City of Dublin continues to honor veterans this Purple Heart Day on Aug. 7.
On Thursday evening, The Dublin Link will glow purple and white, a symbolic tribute to the brave men and women who have been wounded or killed in action while serving in the U.S. military.
This visible tribute reflects Dublin’s dedication to being a Purple Heart City, a designation that communicates commitment, acceptance and safety to military residents and visitors. Dublin became a Purple Heart City on July 26, 2021, and installed signage highlighting this honor at the entrances to Dublin.
One of the key advocates behind Dublin’s designation as a Purple Heart City is Master Sergeant Sean Clifton, a veteran of the U.S. Army Special Forces, a Purple Heart recipient and a member of the Dublin Veterans Advisory Committee. A Dublin resident, Master Sgt. Clifton was wounded during a 2009 mission in Afghanistan. He continues to play an active role in local veteran outreach and events, with a strong focus on honoring fellow Purple Heart recipients.
Master Sgt. Clifton says the designation carries deep personal meaning. “Dublin being a Purple Heart City is important to me and my family. I want veterans to know they are not alone and the sacrifices they’ve made are acknowledged by the Dublin community,” Master Sgt. Clifton says. “Efforts to recognize and provide resources to veterans like the Dublin Veteran Appreciation Card and the Defender’s Den during the Dublin Irish Festival this past weekend are a few ways we can advocate for them.”
That commitment to veterans was on display at this year’s Dublin Irish Festival, where the Defenders Den served as a designated space for active and retired military, first responders and up to three accompanying family members to enjoy a respite during the festivities. The space dedicated to veterans also included complimentary snacks and veteran resource information. Master Sgt. Clifton notes that the Defenders Den was well attended throughout the three-day Festival.
Beyond Purple Heart Day, the City honors all veteran residents year-round by offering a Veteran Appreciation Card. The card provides veteran residents five daily passes to the Dublin Community Recreation Center, 25% off Abbey Theater of Dublin productions and free pool entry on Independence Day. Cardholders are also automatically entered into a lottery for two free tickets to the Memorial Tournament, with winners to be randomly selected May 2026. Eligible residents can apply for the card at DublinVeterans.com.
Looking ahead, Dublin will continue its commitment to honoring military members at the annual Veterans Day Ceremony, which will take place Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.
More information about memorials, ceremonies and veteran resources can be found at DublinVeterans.com.
The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the armed forces who are wounded or killed by an instrument of war in action. It is specifically a combat decoration and is the oldest military honor. Purple Heart Day falls on Aug. 7, which traces back to when George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit, the predecessor to the Purple Heart Medal, on Aug. 7, 1782.
About the City of Dublin, Ohio, USA
Dublin is a city of nearly 50,000 residents located just northwest of Columbus, Ohio. It offers residents and corporate citizens responsive services, attractive housing options, superior public education, direct regional highway access, abundant park space, thoughtful and strategic planning, innovative ideas and technology and a dynamic community life. Dublin is ranked the number one small city in Ohio and is consistently named one of the safest cities in the nation. It is home to more than 20 corporate headquarters, an entrepreneurial center, 4,300+ businesses, world-class events and the urban, walkable Bridge Street District. For more information, visit DublinOhioUSA.gov or call 614.410.4400.
#
Media Contact:
Shirley Blaine
Multimedia Communications Strategist
614.230.4683 – Cell
sblaine@dublin.oh.us
Newsroom: https://dublinohiousa.gov/newsroom/
