State Rep. Jaime Greene, R-Richmond, recently welcomed Macomb County resident Susan Howard to the state Capitol as the pair continued their efforts to honor Purple Heart recipients in Michigan.

Howard, senior vice president of VFW Auxiliary Post 2052 in Romeo, joined Greene to testify before the House Government Operations Committee in support of Greene’s legislation, House Bill 4971. The measure would declare Michigan a “Purple Heart State” and add the state to the Purple Heart Trail.

“Purple Heart recipients embody unwavering dedication and valor, and their sacrifices serve as a lasting testament to their love for our nation,” said Greene, a U.S. Navy veteran. “Passing this bipartisan legislation would express our gratitude and respect for the brave men and women who have been wounded or killed while serving in the United States Armed Forces.”

Howard, whose husband is a Purple Heart recipient, has helped communities throughout Macomb County earn the Purple Heart designation.

“The bill in front of you would recognize Michigan as a place where the Purple Heart veteran is never forgotten,” Howard told the committee. “It will help people understand that there has been great personal sacrifice by this group, and it will also help the families of those special veterans know that we care and remember the sacrifices of their loved ones.”

The Purple Heart, the longest-standing military decoration, is presented in the name of the president to any person wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces since April 5, 1917. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, more than 2 million Purple Hearts have been awarded since World War I.

The bill remains under consideration by the House Government Operations Committee.

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