Military members who have earned the Purple Heart – one of the oldest military decorations – are honored each year with Purple Heart Day, recognized on Aug. 7.
The Purple Heart – created by General George Washington – is awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces who have been killed or wounded in action against an enemy.
“The Purple Heart is one of the highest honors since it was first created in 1782 to recognize bravery in combat,” Mike Tarpley, veteran and Purple Heart recipient, said.
The Purple Heart is the first American service award or decoration made available to the common soldier; specifically awarded to members of the US armed forces who have been wounded or paid the ultimate sacrifice in combat. According to the Wounded Warriors Family Support website, there are an estimated 1.8 million Purple Heart recipients who have transitioned back to civilian life.
In addition to recognizing Purple Heart recipients on the designated day, Howard County and the City of Big Spring took that recognition one step further by becoming a Purple Heart community.
“Howard County officially became a Purple Heart County in February 2021,” Tarpley said. “The purpose of the designations are to encourage people to reflect upon those who have given their lives to serve their country.”
The County designation allowed for the petition to go to TxDOT to allow for “Purple Heart County” signs to go along the sides of the roads, in Howard County. The County acceptance was approved in February 2022. The City of Big Spring also became a Purple Heart community in May 2022.
“Our veteran population is an estimated one percent of our population, but the sacrifices they made by making a selfless choice to serve their country is one that has left a huge impact on our nation,” Tarpley said.
(Contributed Story)
(Photo: U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs)
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