Livingston County will join counties throughout the country in recognizing National Purple Heart Day on Aug. 7, 2022.
The day honors those military members who have placed themselves in harm’s way for the good of all. The Purple Heart medal is an award presented to service members wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. military. To date, more than 1.8 million service members have received a Purple Heart since the award’s creation. Here in Livingston County, several Purple Heart recipients call the area home, said Interim County Veteran Services Director David Terry.
“A service member distinguished with the Purple Heart means they sustained an injury and have greatly sacrificed themselves, or paid the ultimate price in the line duty during enemy action,” he explained. “It is an honor to recognize those veterans among us that wear the Purple Heart today. The State of New York is home to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. If you are a Purple Heart recipient or know of one, you can verify enrollment or enroll online. We are part of an amazing community here in Livingston that holds the designation as a Purple Heart County honoring our combat wounded.”
The history of the medal dates back to America’s first president. On August 7, 1782, General George Washington issued an order establishing the Badge of Military Merit. Designed by Washington in the form of a purple heart, it was intended as a military order for soldiers who, according to Washington, exhibited, “not only instances of unusual gallantry in battle, but also extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way.” On February 22, 1932, the Badge of Military Merit was renamed the Purple Heart by General George MacArthur.
For more information on veterans and veteran services in Livingston County, please visit here.
