Fayette is now a Purple Heart City. The designation honors the heroism and sacrifices paid by veterans of the United States military.

Vietnam veteran and Fayette resident A. George Befort III spearheaded the effort to bring the designation to Fayette. He addressed the city council at their regular meeting on August 10, asking members to make Fayette a Purple Heart City. Befort is the recipient of two purple hearts from his tour of duty in Vietnam. A Lance Cpl., Befort enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1968 and was discharged in 1970. He was awarded the Quilt of Valor from Fayette’s Peacemakers Quilters during the most recent Memorial Day services.

“A Purple Heart City is an expression of gratitude to the sons and daughters of Fayette who gave their lives or were wounded in combat/terrorism events defending the freedoms that all Americans enjoy today. Unfortunately, it is also an honor to future Purple Heart recipients,” said Befort said to the city council. He serves as Senior Vice Commander of the Department of Missouri, Military Order of the Purple Heart.

That night the council gave unanimous approval to make Fayette a Purple Heart City and to purchase signs to display at the town’s entrances.

“Our goal is to get every county and as many cities as possible we can to become a Purple Heart county or city,” Befort said. “I approached the Mayor and the city council and they were eager for it.”

During the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Fayette High School, Befort, along with Fayette Mayor Kevin Oeth, unveiled one of three signs now displayed at each of the three entrances to town.

“It is truly an honor to have worked with Mr. Befort in securing Fayette's place as a Purple Heart City,” said Mayor Oeth. “Mr. Befort's story is one everyone should hear. If you were not able to hear Mr. Befort's I would strongly suggest for everyone to find a veteran to listen to their story. For far too long we have ignored many of those stories and it will not be long before we lose them completely.

“I know the story of my uncle receiving the Purple Heart simply due to the story being passed down from my grandparents to my parents to me. Because of that, I've been able to pass it to my sons and they to their sons and daughters. We as a country need to be sure we do not lose those stories.”