On National Purple Heart Day, Livingston County Veteran Services joins the nation in honoring military members who have been wounded or killed while serving. The Purple Heart, awarded to over 1.8 million service members since its inception, holds deep significance in Livingston County, home to numerous recipients.
Veteran Services Director David Terry highlighted the Straton family, a four-generation line of Purple Heart recipients, as emblematic of dedication to service and sacrifice. Paul Straton was killed in Iraq, with his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather also honored for their service in Vietnam, Korea, and World War II.
Purple Heart Day was first nationally observed in 2014, and in 2020, Livingston County declared itself a Purple Heart County. The county proudly displays its status with signs at its borders, honoring all who have sacrificed for their country.
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