“It is right as Americans to come together to remember and honor the courageous women and men who have bravely represented our country,” said Troy Truax, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Veteran’s Representative, on August 3 during SRPMIC’s annual Purple Heart Walk in Lehi. 

The Purple Heart is a United States military medal given to those who were wounded or killed in combat on or after April 5, 1917. On March 21, 2022, the SRPMIC officially declared itself a Purple Heart Community.

“By doing so, the SRPMIC officially became the first Purple Heart Community in the Southwest region of the United States,” said Truax. “It is our duty to ensure these heroes are never forgotten. Let us take this opportunity not only to remember their sacrifices, but also to encourage one another to live with the same amount of courage and dedication.” 

Community members, staff, their families and loved ones joined in to help honor and commemorate those from the Community who were injured or killed while serving this country in the military. Historically speaking, Indigenous peoples have served in every U.S. military conflict from the Revolutionary War to the present day.

Before the walk began, SRPMIC Council member Cheryl Doka provided a blessing to all in attendance, as well as to the Purple Heart recipients and their families. 

Afterwards, Commander Keith Gray from the Military Order of the Purple Heart–Arizona Department read a prepared speech regarding the importance of honoring Purple Heart veterans. Formed in 1932, the MOPH is a nationwide veterans’ organization with five chapters in Arizona alone. The organization assists Purple Heart recipients with various tasks, such as registering for government benefits and helping with additional tasks for veterans and their families. 

“I want to start off by thanking the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community leaders and planning team that made this event possible,” said Commander Gray. “The Purple Heart medal is the one medal no one wants but wears with honor once received. Today we gather to honor all Purple Heart recipients and their sacrifices. Thank you.”

Moments before the walk began, Community member and Navy veteran Derek Dalton facilitated a group warm-up exercise to prevent injuries. The route for the walk headed west on Oak Street and returned to the Lehi Community Center. 

As the warm August sun blazed down in the early morning, all walkers were given fresh fruit and ample bottles of water to help combat the heat. 

A few days later, on Purple Heart Day (August 7), participants of the walk in Lehi were invited to wear their 2024 Purple Heart Walk commemorative T-shirts around the Community as a way to show their unwavering support of those who have made great sacrifices while serving our country.