Purple Heart recipient from Cortland gains recognition for Purple Heart recipients in DeKalb County

Motorists entering the city of DeKalb through its gateway entrances are greeted by special signs announcing that DeKalb is a Purple Heart City. It was a mission accomplished thanks to Michael Embrey, who petitioned the city of DeKalb, DeKalb County and Northern Illinois University to recognize Purple Heart recipients. A Purple Heart is a badge of military merit for service members who were wounded or killed while serving. This year, the city of DeKalb, DeKalb County, and Northern Illinois University passed proclamations declaring themselves a Purple Heart city, county and university. A Purple Heart city, county or university is also required to have Purple Heart recipients among its residents, establish roads or signs honoring recipients and offer symbolic or practical benefits.Embrey, a U.S. Army veteran from DeKalb, said it means a lot to him knowing the DeKalb area community has achieved the trifecta. He petitioned the city of DeKalb, DeKalb County and Northern Illinois University t