AUSTIN, Texas— Today, Texas Land Commissioner and Veterans Land Board (VLB) Chairwoman Dawn Buckingham, M.D., is honored for the VLB's new West Texas State Veterans Cemetery (SVC) to join its other four Texas State Veterans Cemeteries as a part of the National Purple Heart Trail, a symbolic and honorary system of roads, highways, and monuments in tribute to military members who have received the Purple Heart.
"As the state with the largest Veteran population in the nation, Texas, and the Veterans who call it home, are a significant part of the Purple Heart’s legacy. It is an honor to recognize our many Purple Heart recipients and their families at the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery," said Commissioner Buckingham. "With support from the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 900, our newest Veterans cemetery joins the VLB's other four cemeteries as a part of the National Purple Heart Trail. May this tribute to our courageous combat-wounded warriors always serve as a reminder of their selfless sacrifices and that the price of freedom is never free."
From left to right: Norm Bearden, VLB On-Site Rep. West Texas SVC; Commander Steve Oien, Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 0900 Commander; Michael Dean, Congressman Jodey Arrington’s Rep.; Blake Vineyard, Senator Ted Cruz’s Rep.; Dr. John Kelley, Director of TSVCs at the VLB; Tom Sell, Congressional District 19 Republican Nominee; Helena Ramirez, Congressman Jody Arrington’s Rep.
During the ceremony, Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) Chapter 900 presented the West Texas SVC with a proclamation designating the VLB's newest Veterans cemetery as an official National Purple Heart Trail entity. They also provided a designation sign to be placed near the cemetery entrance. This designation allows the Veterans cemetery to display a “Combat Wounded” parking space sign, which will also be provided by MOPH Chapter 900.
Click below for more information about the National Purple Heart Trail:
Click below to learn more about VLB's Texas State Veterans Cemeteries:
Texas State Veterans Cemeteries
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Dr. Dawn Buckingham made history in 2022, winning a statewide election to become Texas's first female Land Commissioner. As Land Commissioner, Dr. Dawn Buckingham is committed to helping Texans after a disaster, supporting Texas energy, ensuring that every child in Texas receives a high-quality public education, serving Texas Veterans, and securing the border to keep our communities safe.
