HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University has been declared a Purple Heart School by the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Southeastern is the first four-year institution in the state to receive the designation, which honors the service and sacrifice of the nation’s men and women in uniform wounded or killed by the enemy while serving to protect the nation’s freedoms.

Southeastern President William S. Wainwright said the university and surrounding communities have a great admiration and the utmost gratitude and respect for all the men and women who have served in the past and those who are currently serving their country and communities in the Armed Forces.

“Veterans have paid the high price of freedom by leaving their families and communities behind and placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all,” he said. “The contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens.”