National Purple Heart Day
To the editor:
On Wednesday, Aug. 7, our nation honors those service members who were awarded the Purple Heart.
The Purple Heart is awarded to those service members who have been either wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the United States Military. A Purple Heart is a solemn distinction and means a service member has greatly sacrificed themselves, or paid the ultimate price, while in the line of duty.
Many Purple Heart Monuments across the United States bear the saying, “MY STONE IS RED FOR THE BLOOD THEY SHED. THE MEDAL I WEAR IS MY COUNTRY’S WAY TO SHOW THEY CARE. IF I COULD BE SEEN BY ALL MANKIND, MAYBE PEACE WILL COME IN MY LIFETIME.”
May we as Americans, on Aug. 7, honor National Purple Heart Day and the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans.
Let us set aside all of the tumultuous campaign political rhetoric by honoring and recognizing the true meaning of sacrifice made by our nation’s heroes in the protection of our nation’s freedoms.
For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know. FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.
Most people in life never get a chance to meet their heroes, I served and continue to serve with mine.
A special thank you to all our nation’s veterans for their service and sacrifice.
And, a special thank you to the City of Cape Coral for the display of the Purple Heart Banners on Cape Coral Parkway.
Jack Wagner, Commander
Chapter 696 (Lee, Collier and Hendry counties)
The Military Order of the Purple Heart
Cape Coral