The University of Arkansas at Little Rock recently received the signage for its designation as a “Purple Heart University,” a moniker signifying the university’s recognition and support for veterans who were wounded in combat while serving the country.
UA Little Rock received this honor in the fall of 2016 and is now among 40 colleges and universities with the distinction, as awarded by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, a national nonprofit organization whose membership consists of veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart medal for wounds received in combat.
In 1992, the organization instituted a National Purple Heart Trail Program to create a symbolic and honorary system of roads, highways, bridges, cities, counties, monuments, military installations, universities, and other institutions that give tribute to Purple Heart recipients.
The Department of Arkansas and Central Arkansas Chapter 431 of the National Order of the Purple Heart awarded UA Little Rock with a plaque and proclamation that reads, in part, “The University of Arkansas at Little Rock appreciates the sacrifices 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.” Both items hang in the UA Little Rock Military Student Success Center.
