The City of Okmulgee will proudly honor its combat-wounded veterans and officially become a Purple Heart City during a special ceremony scheduled Saturday, July 19, at First Baptist Church, 311 W. 5th Street.

This public event invites all citizens to attend, with a call extended to veterans to be in attendance for this special ceremony. The designation as a Purple Heart City symbolizes Okmulgee’s continued commitment to honoring the sacrifices of military personnel wounded or killed in combat.

Doors will open at 9:30 a.m., with the program scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m.

The event is organized in partnership with the Military Order of the Purple Heart, local veteran groups, and city officials. Leading the ceremony will be Purple Heart Adjutant Don Nichols, Mayor Mickey Baldwin and VFW Post 1189 Vice Commander Sam Richardson.

— Itinerary of Events

• 9:30 a.m. – Doors Open at First Baptist Church

• 9:40-9:55 a.m. – Setup and Final Preparations

• 10-10:10 a.m. – Ceremony Dry Run

• 10:30 a.m. – Official Ceremony Begins – The ceremony program will include the following:

• Welcome Address – Mayor Mickey Baldwin

• National Anthem – Pearl Thomas

• Invocation – Grover Wind, Muscogee Nation Secretary of Veteran Affairs

• Remarks – Don Nichols, Purple Heart (Adjutant)

• Posting of Colors

• Purple Heart Honor Guard

• American Legion Post 10

• Post 103 Guidon

• VFW Post 1189 Guidon

• National Guard Oklahoma Reserves

• Veterans Recognition – Don Nichols will recognize veterans in attendance

• Presentation of Six Purple Heart Signs by the Purple Heart organization, city officials, military commanders and donors

• Community Song: “God Bless America” – Led by Pearl Thomas

• Closing Remarks and Benediction – Mayor Mickey Baldwin This designation ceremony not only serves as a powerful tribute to those who have shed blood in service to the United States but also aligns Okmulgee with dozens of other patriotic communities across Oklahoma and the nation that have formally pledged to never forget the sacrifices of its veterans.

“This ceremony marks a meaningful milestone for our community,” said organizers, who emphasized the city’s deep ties to military service and the enduring respect shown to local heroes.

For more information, contact:

• Don Nichols – Purple Heart Adjutant, 918-9318632

• Mayor Mickey Baldwin – City of Okmulgee, 918815-2430

• Sam Richardson – VFW Post 1189 Vice Commander, 703-585-2630 Veterans organizations are encouraged to attend in uniform and bring unit flags if available.