Frisco has recently added a new mark of honor to its Veterans Memorial. On September 20, municipal leaders, veterans, and community residents gathered in Frisco Commons Park to unveil the Purple Heart Monument, which honors US military soldiers who have been wounded or killed in action.
The monument is located on the east side of the memorial, opposite the Gold Star Family Monument, providing a balance of memory for those who served and sacrificed.
The structure stands about five feet tall and depicts a Purple Heart Medallion surrounded by inscriptions, flanked by two smaller statues of sentinel soldiers standing watch.
Ceremony of Dedication
Mayor Pro Tem John Keating, along by members of the Frisco City Council and the Frisco Veterans Advisory Committee, publicly recognized the Purple Heart recipients in attendance.
Rob Altman, chair of the Veterans Advisory Committee, acted as master of ceremonies. Gerald “Chappie” Nelson offered the invocation, while Texas Veterans Commissioner Chuck Wright led the pledge of allegiance. Melody of Hope artist Rebekah Prim celebrated the occasion by performing patriotic songs.
Captain Florent A. “Flo” Groberg, US Army (Retired), a Frisco resident, was among the most recognized guests. Groberg, a Medal of Honor recipient, also possesses the Bronze Star Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster and the Purple Heart. As a guest speaker, he emphasized the heroism, sacrifice, and legacy of the Purple Heart recipients.
Visit the Monument
The Purple Heart is one of the nation’s most revered military decorations, bestowed in the name of the president on service men who are injured or killed in action. The new monument serves as a permanent remembrance of these sacrifices.
Residents and visitors can observe the Purple Heart Monument at the Frisco Veterans Memorial, which is located at 8300 McKinney Road in Frisco Commons Park.
