Kearns calls on Purple Heart recipients to be honored

County clerk invites Purple Heart veterans & families to participate in annual Purple Heart Day

Submitted by the Office of Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns

Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns is once again recognizing local veterans who have been bestowed the Purple Heart by inviting them to be included in the William J. Donovan Purple Heart Recipients Book of Merit.

Kearns is encouraging Purple Heart recipients, or surviving family members of deceased recipients, to apply to the Erie County Clerk’s Office to ensure their loved one’s service and sacrifice are permanently honored as part of this year’s Purple Heart Day ceremony and flag-raising.

Applications can be obtained online through the Erie County Clerk’s Office website or requested by emailing [email protected]. To be registered in the 2026 Book of Merit, applications, along with valid proof a Purple Heart was awarded, need to be submitted no later than July 24. Veterans and family members with questions may also contact the office directly at 716-858-6787.

“It is important that we continue to recognize and preserve the stories of these brave men and women from Erie County and Western New York,” Kearns said. “The Book of Merit ensures their service will never be forgotten. The Purple Heart represents extraordinary sacrifice in defense of our nation.”

The Purple Heart is the nation’s oldest military decoration awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who were wounded or killed in combat while serving on or after April 5, 1917.

Established by Kearns in 2018, the William J. Donovan Purple Heart Recipients Book of Merit serves as the county’s official record honoring local Purple Heart recipients. Prior to its creation, no formal countywide record existed recognizing these veterans.

The “Book of Merit” is displayed at the Erie County Clerk’s Office in Old County Hall and currently contains 590 names of Purple Heart recipients from across Western New York.

This year’s ceremony will be held on National Purple Heart Day, Friday, Aug. 7, at 10 a.m. in the Surrogate’s Court Courtroom inside Old County Hall, located at 92 Franklin St., Buffalo. The ceremony and flag-raising are open to the public.