On Sunday, Aug 6th, 2017, Cliff & Judy Fitzgerald and members of the New York Riders- Putnam County, were joined by the community to observe National Purple Heart Day that takes place on Aug 7th. A brief ceremony that was opened with the pledge of allegiance was held at Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park, Carmel NY at 10 a.m. Speakers, Bob Ferguson, Eugene Lang, John Duncan, John Bourges and Karl Rohde all had very moving words on what it means to a service member or their family to be the recipient of the Purple Heart Medal. The Purple Heart is the nation's oldest Military Medal first awarded in 1782 by George Washington in Newburgh, NY. The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the United States Military who are wounded or killed in combat. On this day, we take the time to honor all Purple Heart recipients, past and present and to remember that all gave some, and some gave all.
Pictured: Purple Heart wreath presented by residents of Putnam County Veterans House.
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