Pass benefits all Wisconsin vets injured in service
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will award the first two Purple Heart Passes to veterans on Friday, Dec., 28 at Discovery World. The Purple Heart Pass (PHP) goes into effect January 1st.
The PHP is a first-of-its-kind pass that allows Purple Heart Veterans from Wisconsin free admission into a number of private and public Milwaukee County venues, including the Milwaukee County Zoo, Discovery World and the Harley Museum.
“There is no way we can ever fully repay the brave men and woman who put their lives in harm’s way to protect us, but I’m honored to be able to thank them in this small way,” Abele said. “I also want to thank the businesses that have stepped up to offer this pass to our veterans.”
All Purple Heart Veterans from across Wisconsin are eligible for this pass.
The Milwaukee County Zoo, Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee Art Museum, Discovery World and the Harley-Davidson Museum will provide free, year-round admission to PHP holders and one guest. The Milwaukee County Parks will offer free admission to the Boerner Botanical Gardens and the Mitchell Park Domes. The value of the pass is more than $200.
Aegis Corporation of Brookfield has volunteered to pay for the cost of producing the passes.
“We could not be more excited to be a part of this program to honor those who have served our country and the Purple Heart Pass is just a small token of our appreciation,” said Aegis Corporation Executive Vice President John Dirkse. “Aegis Corporation believes in supporting our veterans and we commend Milwaukee County for the creation of this worthwhile program.”
The first two passes will go to a Vietnam War vet and an Iraq War vet.
What: Presentation of Purple Heart Pass #1 and #2
Who: County Executive Abele, PHP recipients and representatives from the businesses honoring the pass
When: Friday, Dec. 28 – 10am
Where: Discovery World
Purple Heart Veterans can contact MCVSO Director Jim Duff via phone (414.266.1235) or email (jduff@milwcnty.com) for more information on obtaining a pass.
