SMETHPORT — More road signs could soon be placed along major routes in McKean County.
These won’t point to a specific location, though. The signs are expected bear some type of message like “McKean, A Purple Heart County,” in addition to graphics of a Purple Heart and McKean County.
It’s part of an effort to shine the spotlight on Purple Heart recipients of McKean County — both past and present. The Purple Heart medal is given to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have been wounded or died while in combat.
During a meeting of the McKean County Commissioners on Tuesday morning, local resident and American Legion Riders member Cheryl Razey shared an idea that calls for several purple signs to be erected on major highways coming in and out of the county. Among the major highways bearing the signs would be U.S. routes 6 and 219.
Razey said she wants to have McKean County be one of the most decorated Purple Heart counties.
The county commissioners are on board with the efforts as evident by passing a proclamation on Tuesday designating McKean County as a Purple Heart County.
Reading from the proclamation, McKean County Commissioner chairman Joe DeMott said that “McKean County area has a large, highly decorated veteran population including many Purple Heart recipients, and whereas McKean County appreciates the scarifies our Purple Heart recipients made in defending our freedoms and believe it is important that we acknowledge them for their courage and show them the honor and support they have earned.”
For Razey, she recalls never thanking her father for his service; he was a Purple Heart recipient and a World War II veteran. With the project, though, she will be able to express appreciation to the individuals who received Purple Hearts in the county.
If all goes according to plan, Razey would like to see the sign as having some kind of message like “McKean, A Purple Heart County,” in addition to graphics of a Purple Heart and McKean County. What the sign would include, however, is not firmed up, she indicated.
As part of the process, she would have to visit local municipal governments to see about permitting for the signs.
Razey said she figures the signs — measuring about 3 feet by 1 foot — would cost about $100. So far, some individuals have committed to paying for three signs, and said she will look to veterans’ organizations and individuals to foot the costs for the others.
“Personal donations are going to help us accomplish this,” Razey said.
Ideally, Razey would like to start with 10 signs with the goal of having them up Aug. 7 for the national Purple Heart Day.
The first sign could be erected in Kane, she said. Other roads would be permitted — not just on major highways, said Razey.
And with those signs, she believes there would be a boost in tourism for the county. Once the project is completed, the county would be listed on what’s known as the Purple Heart Trail, Razey said.
“As you travel the Purple Heart Trails, please take a moment to remember the sacrifices that have been paid for our nation’s freedom,” reads a statement on the Military Order of the Purple Heart’s website, which heads the trail program.
Along with the signs in McKean County, a plaque would also be presented to the county officials, Razey said.
”I think it’s a good thing to do. I really do,” Razey said.
The Purple Heart is considered the oldest military decoration in current use, and the medal was originally made as the Badge of Military Merit by Gen. George Washington in 1782.
Such Purple Heart signs are a familiar site in the Twins Tiers. They have been installed in neighboring Cattaraugus County, N.Y.
For those wanting more information or to help with the McKean County effort, contact Razey at 814-887-5439.
