Chelan County seeks Purple Heart recipients for 2025 Hall of Honor

WENATCHEE — Chelan County is calling on residents to help identify local Purple Heart recipients for the 2025 Hall of Honor induction, an initiative that pays tribute to U.S. military service members who were wounded or killed in action.

In 2024, the Chelan County Commissioners declared the county a Purple Heart County. As part of this designation, the Veteran Services Office annually recognizes Purple Heart recipients with an induction into the Chelan County Hall of Honor—a commemorative plaque displayed at the Veteran Services Office in Wenatchee.

“We want to ensure that the courageous service of our community’s Purple Heart recipients is formally recognized and remembered,” said Amber Hallberg, Chelan County Community Services manager and a coordinator of the event. “Their stories of sacrifice are deeply valued and we’re proud to honor them.”

Nominations are being accepted for recipients—both living and deceased—from Chelan or Douglas counties, including the cities of Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Chelan, and Rock Island. Family members may also submit applications on behalf of their loved ones.

To nominate, individuals must complete a Hall of Honor Inductee form, available on the Chelan County website, and submit it to Hallberg at amber.hallberg@co.chelan.wa.us. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on July 18.

Inductees will be recognized at a community celebration scheduled from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 7 at the Wenatchee Veterans Hall, 1206 N. Wenatchee Ave.