I just learned that the area from Naples, Estero, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, N. Fort Myers and Pine Island is what constitutes the VFW’s District 13. Out of all eight of the Posts, only the VFW Post 4174 in Lehigh Acres has been designated as a Purple Heart Post.

We were able to receive this distinction through the state because we are proud to announce we actually have 3 Purple Heart members. Our previous commander, Mike Sloan, worked with the state to procure this honor for us and we received it well over a year ago.

The Purple Heart was actually established by George Washington and since he was its founder, it is most appropriate his profile adorns the medal. While he only awarded 3 of them, it wasn’t until October 10th, 1927 when Army Chief of Staff, Charles Summerall directed a draft bill which would be sent to revive the Badge of Military Merit. January 3, 1928 the bill was withdrawn and the case was closed.

January 7th, 1931 Summerall’s successor, Douglas MacArthur, reopened work for the badge with a new design. He commissioned Elizabeth Will, an Army heraldic specialist in the office of the Quartermaster General to redesign the revived medal.

By the Executive Order of the President of the United States, the Purple Heart was revived on the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth, February 22, 1932. The first medal awarded was to General Douglas MacArthur. To date, 2,000,000 medals have been given out to either the wounded or those who made the final sacrifice.

There is a lot of information on the Purple Heart to be found on its website and it is extremely interesting reading. August 7th has been designated as National Purple Heart Day. Stop in at 25 S. Homestead Road in Lehigh Acres sometime to meet our Purple Heart recipients. You’ll be glad you did!