Kearns pays tribute to Purple Heart recipients during induction ceremony

County clerk honors veterans added to William J. Donovan 2026 Purple Heart Book of Merit

Submitted by the Office of Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns

As this nation commemorates America's 250th anniversary, Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns marked National Purple Heart Day by honoring Erie County veterans whose names were added to the ninth annual William J. Donovan Purple Heart Book of Merit.

The ceremony served as a reminder that the freedoms celebrated during America's 250th anniversary were secured through the courage and sacrifice of generations of American servicemen and servicewomen. The Purple Heart itself traces its origins to the Revolutionary War, when Gen. George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit on Aug. 7, 1782 – the predecessor to today's Purple Heart – making it the nation's oldest military decoration still awarded.

"While America celebrates 250 years of independence, it is fitting that we remember those who paid the highest price to preserve the freedoms our nation was founded upon," Kearns said. "An estimated 2 million members of our Armed Forces have been killed or wounded in combat and earned the Purple Heart. These selfless Americans came from every walk of life, including communities throughout Erie County. Most veterans never ask for recognition, but I firmly believe they have earned our gratitude and our commitment to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten."

National Purple Heart Day is observed annually on Aug. 7 to honor members of the U.S. Armed Forces who were wounded or killed while serving this nation.

No formal record of Erie County Purple Heart recipients existed prior to 2018, when Kearns established the William J. Donovan Purple Heart Book of Merit, creating a permanent historical record maintained by the Erie County Clerk's Office.

"Creating this book of merit was one of the most meaningful initiatives of my tenure as county clerk," Kearns said. "As the county's chief records officer, I believed we had both an opportunity and an obligation to preserve the names and stories of these extraordinary men and women for future generations."

With the addition of 48 new honorees this year, the William J. Donovan Purple Heart Book of Merit now permanently recognizes 638 Purple Heart recipients from across Erie County.

The book of merit is named in honor of Buffalo native General William J. Donovan, one of America's most decorated military leaders and widely regarded as the "Father of American Intelligence." Donovan served with distinction during World War I, earning three Purple Hearts before later leading the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the predecessor to today's Central Intelligence Agency.

This year's ceremony was held in the Ceremonial Courtroom at Old County Hall and concluded with a Purple Heart flag-presentation ceremony inside the courtroom due to inclement weather. The program featured welcoming remarks from Kearns, the presentation of the colors by the Gabriel A. Rodriguez American Legion Post 1928 Color Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance led by World War II veteran Dr. John Long, and the national anthem performed by local lyricist George Miller. Kearns, joined by representatives of Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapters 187 and 264, presented certificates of recognition and commemorative Purple Heart pins to recipients and their families as each veteran's name, branch of service, and conflict were read aloud.

The William J. Donovan Purple Heart Book of Merit is permanently displayed at the Erie County Clerk's Office inside Old County Hall, 92 Franklin St., alongside historical photographs of Donovan, his portrait, and a World War I-era Purple Heart with two oak leaf clusters donated to the clerk's office.

"As we celebrate 250 years of America, we are reminded that every generation has answered the call to defend our nation," Kearns added. "The Purple Heart represents extraordinary courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty. Preserving the legacy of Erie County's Purple Heart recipients ensures their service will never be forgotten and that future generations will understand the true cost of the freedoms we enjoy."

Submissions for the 2027 William J. Donovan Purple Heart Book of Merit are now being accepted online only at www.erie.gov/clerk. Click on the “SALUTES” icon.