The clock struck midnight on Aug. 8 Eastern Time, and Aug. 7 had passed without an official White House recognition of Purple Heart Day.
The White House official channel was silent on the matter of honoring wounded and fallen warriors.
Purple Heart Day commemorates the men and women who were wounded or killed by opposing armed forces during military service. The Purple Heart is the nation’s oldest military medal.
Alaska State Sen. Josh Revak is one of the recipients of the Purple Heart. He served two tours in Iraq as a battle tank crewman with 1-37 Armor, 1st Armor Brigade, 1st Armor Division, the “Bandits”. Revak was wounded by enemy mortar shrapnel in June, 2006 and walks only with the assistance of a brace on his shattered leg. Must Read Alaska was unable to reach him for comment.
Speaking for himself and not his organization, Dan Collins, commander of the local Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 0593-AK-3, said that Purple Heart recipients “are not political and don’t expect to be recognized. I think we’ll survive.”
There are about 300 members of the various chapters of the Military Order of the Purple Heart in Alaska. The organization provides support to wounded combat veterans. Fairbanks has been designated a Purple Heart City due to the number of wounded veterans and MOPH chapters.
On Aug. 7, 2020, President Donald Trump issued the following proclamation:
General George Washington established the Purple Heart-then known as the Badge of Military Merit-238 years ago today to recognize meritorious service in action during our Nation’s war for independence. Today, the Purple Heart is reserved for military service members wounded or killed in action. On this day, we pay tribute to these men and women, who have suffered and sacrificed so much for our Nation.
The Purple Heart medal, in its present form, bears the profile of General Washington. An American hero of unparalleled stature in our history, George Washington not only inaugurated this award, but he exemplified the uncommon courage, valor, and devotion to our Nation showed by all who receive it.
As we commemorate the establishment of one of our Nation’s highest honors, we also reaffirm our support and admiration for the remarkable heroes of America’s Armed Forces. Each day, these men and women safeguard peace and prosperity at home and abroad and protect our unique American way of life. Our Nation is forever indebted to these valiant warriors for their service and sacrifice.
The First Lady and I join a grateful Nation in paying tribute to Purple Heart recipients, their loved ones, and our Gold Star Families. As one Nation, we pray for the safety of our country’s men and women in uniform-both past and present-and commit to honoring their legacy of service now and for generations to come.
President Biden acknowledged Purple Heart Day on Twitter today with 27 words:
“This Purple Heart Day, we remember and honor the sacrifice, valor, and grace of all those who were wounded or paid the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield.”
To learn more about the history of the Purple Heart, watch this 2-minute video at Military.com
