August 7 is a day that commemorates the oldest military award still being given in the name of the President of the United States: the Purple Heart.
The medal is awarded to service members who are wounded or killed while serving in the United States military.
In Louisiana, Department Commander Ronald Crowley commemorated National Purple Heart Day with Percy “Blackie” and Shirley Trahan of Lafayette who’s son LCpl Lex D. Trahan was awarded a purple heart posthumously.
Trahan was killed in the Beiruit Bombing on October 23, 1983.
“Today we stand in honor of Louisiana’s 787 Purple Heart recipients, and the sacrifices that they have made in defense of America. These Patriots have shown courage beyond measure, and it is their valor that will define their extraordinary legacy.” Crowley said.
The Purple Heart was first created on August 7, 1782 by the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, General George Washington. At the time it was called the Badge of Military Merit, and was awarded to three Revolutionary soldiers.
Louisiana enacted the following Legislation in 2014 declaring August 7th Purple Heart Day: “The seventh day of August shall be recognized as “Purple Heart Recognition Day” and shall be dedicated to the remembrance and recognition of those members of the armed forces of the United States who have earned the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in combat.” (Acts 2014, No. 22, §1. effective August 1, 2014).
According to the Department of Defense, approximately 1.8 million Purple Hearts have been presented.
Louisiana enacted the following Legislation in 2014 declaring August 7th Purple Heart Day: “The seventh day of August shall be recognized as “Purple Heart Recognition Day” and shall be dedicated to the remembrance and recognition of those members of the armed forces of the United States who have earned the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in combat.” (Acts 2014, No. 22, §1. effective August 1, 2014).
Today we stand in honor of Louisiana’s 787 Purple Heart recipients, and the sacrifices that they have made in defense of America.
These Patriots have shown courage beyond measure, and it is their valor that will define their extraordinary legacy.
