Purple Heart City

In February 2022, Bedford was recognized as a Purple Heart City, for the City's continued support of the men and women in our Armed Forces who have selflessly served our country. Bedford is proud to honor our Purple Heart recipients and acknowledges their acts of courage and resilience to defend our freedom. 

The Purple Heart, the nation’s oldest military award, was first established by General George Washington as the Badge of Military Merit in 1782 and specifically honors individuals who have been wounded, or paid the ultimate sacrifice in combat with a recognized enemy of the U.S. 

Signs identifying Bedford as a Purple Heart City are located at entrances to the City.

photo of City Council members and veterans holding signs designating Bedford as a Purple Heart City

Purple Heart City Traffic Signal Box

To further commemorate this special designation, the City held a traffic signal box art contest, where local artists could submit a design that integrated the Purple Heart Medal. The winning design would then be covered on a traffic box within Bedford. A big congratulations to artist Jodi Pope for creating the winning design, which represents a strong, rooted tree that has bloomed a new historical marker in our City, the purple heart. This beautiful box is located at the intersection of Central Drive and L. Don Dodson Drive.

photo of the Purple Heart Traffic Box located in Bedford