‘Purple Heart State’ Bill Passed Unanimously in Senate

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A bill that would declare Washington a Purple Heart State, a ceremonial designation to honor members of the armed services who have been killed or wounded in action, unanimously passed in the state Senate on Friday with a vote of 49 to 0, with no members excused, and is on its way to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk to be signed into law.

HB 1250 was introduced Jan. 18 and, if signed, authorizes state departments to erect signs — especially at the entry points to the state — recognizing that Washington is a Purple Heart State and allows departments to accept gifts or donations to cover the cost of the signs.

Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, was the primary sponsor of the bill and said he did so with encouragement from Lewis County resident Mary Astrid.



Lewis County became a Purple Heart County in November 2019.

While Astrid said she can’t be present for the physical signing of the bill due to COVID-19 restrictions, she said she intends to stand at the Vietnam Memorial on Capitol campus grounds when the bill is signed into law.

“Lewis County Purple Heart laid the groundwork for the state,” Astrid wrote in an email. “I’m very proud of our community for recognizing the immense worth and value of taking it to state.”