I recall my first encounter with a bright purple parking space located close to the front door of a retail shopping center. The purple space had no “Handicap” designation and was neither a loading zone. Simply… purple. I decided to read the sign above the space to determine why this particular parking space had been painted such a unique color. As I read the sign, I realized that this was far more than simply a colorful coat of paint. This was a symbol of something much deeper.
Have you ever seen a purple parking space and wondered what it represents? Here is a brief explanation: Purple parking spaces are typically designated as a way to recognize individuals who have received the Purple Heart. This U.S. military decoration is awarded to members of the U.S. military for wounds received during combat. These spaces allow combat wounded veterans to be recognized with respect and given convenient access to their destination.
While purple parking spaces are intended to represent the same concept across all areas, you should not automatically assume that purple parking spaces are the same throughout the country. These spaces are not governed under a federal law. Therefore, it is essential that you carefully read the posted sign prior to parking in a purple space.
A Brief Overview of the Purple Heart and Why Purple?
The Purple Heart is a U.S. Military decoration awarded to service members who have been injured or killed in action. The Purple Heart has been around since 1932 and remains one of the oldest active military honors awarded today. Receiving the Purple Heart is considered an extreme honor and is deeply symbolic to the individuals who are awarded it.
As mentioned earlier, the Purple Heart is shaped like a heart. The heart shape is made of a purple background with a gold frame, which includes a portrait of General George Washington. Therefore, the selection of purple for these parking spaces is directly related to the symbolism and color of the medal. When a community chooses to designate a parking space as a purple space, they provide visual acknowledgment of those who have been wounded or killed in battle. Although it is a simple gesture, it demonstrates gratitude and appreciation for those who have made great personal sacrifices in order to serve their country.
Identifying a Purple Parking Space
You can easily identify a purple parking space as it will normally draw attention to itself. Some will be completely painted purple while others will include purple lines, stripes, etc. Purple parking spaces are typically placed in high-traffic, highly-visible areas. For example, areas such as near the front of a building or a business’ main entrance (much like accessible parking spots).
In virtually every instance, a purple parking space will have a sign above or adjacent to the parking space. The sign will indicate that the parking space is designated specifically for Purple Heart recipients. The sign may be written with a phrase indicating that the space is for Purple Heart recipients, Combat Wounded Veterans, or may display an image of the Purple Heart Medal. Additionally, the sign may include a reference to a local veteran organization that sponsored the parking space. There is no single standardized design template for a purple parking space. However, the combination of purple paint and signage referencing a veteran group is a good indicator of the space being designated for a Purple Heart recipient.
Who May Park in a Purple Space?
It is extremely important to note that using a purple parking space without proper authorization is not only inconsiderate. It also demonstrates disrespect to the individual(s) who have earned the right to park in the space.
Generally speaking, a purple parking space is reserved for a Purple Heart recipient. A Purple Heart recipient is a veteran who has been wounded in combat while serving in the U.S. military. To legally or properly utilize a purple parking space, the Purple Heart recipient may possess a Purple Heart license plate or a special ID card issued to veterans. They may also have other documentation verifying their entitlement to park in the space. This depends upon the policies of the area where the parking space is located.
