Aug 7, 2024
This National Purple Heart Day...
Let’s Look at What Some of those Honored are Doing Today
Reading time: 10 minutes
Every year on August 7th, the United States observes National Purple Heart Day, a solemn reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women in the U.S. military. As a veteran-led company that offers a 15% military discount to veterans and active-duty military personnel, PureTalk invites you to join us in honoring those who have been wounded or killed in combat, recognizing their courage and the sacrifices they made for their country.
The History of the Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is one of the most recognized and respected military decorations. It has a storied history that dates back to the Revolutionary War. Originally conceived by General George Washington in 1782, it was called the Badge of Military Merit. This award was given to soldiers who exhibited "not only instances of unusual gallantry in battle, but also extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way."
The modern Purple Heart, as we know it, was established in 1932, on the 200th anniversary of Washington's birth. It was redesigned to honor those who were wounded or killed in action, ensuring that their sacrifices would not be forgotten. The medal features a purple heart-shaped badge with a profile of George Washington and his coat of arms.
The Significance of Purple Heart Day
National Purple Heart Day serves multiple purposes. It is a day of reflection and remembrance for the heroes who have suffered injuries or paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. It is also an opportunity to educate the public about the significance of the Purple Heart and the stories of valor associated with it.
On this day, various ceremonies and events take place across the country. Monuments and memorials are visited, and moments of silence are observed. Purple Heart recipients and their families often share their experiences, providing a personal glimpse into the realities of war and the enduring spirit of those who serve.
A Look at What Purple Heart Recipients are Doing Today
Bryan Anderson
Author, actor, and triple amputee, Bryan Anderson enlisted in the US Army in April 2001. On October 23, 2005, while taking his unit commander on a routine mission to visit Iraqi police stations, Anderson's Humvee drove past an improvised explosive device (IED) in Southeast Baghdad. Due to the impact of the explosion, Anderson lost both his legs and left hand immediately. He is the Iraq War's fourth triple amputee.
Since receiving the Purple Heart, Anderson has acted in CSI: NY, All My Children, The Wire, Hawaii Five-0, and most recently in the reboot of Magnum PI. Anderson was in the films, The Wrestler and American Sniper. He was featured in the HBO documentary Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq. Aside from acting, Anderson is also a stuntman and was a stunt driver for the film The Dark Knight. His memoir, No Turning Back: One Man's Inspiring True Story of Courage, Determination, and Hope, focuses on his experiences and lessons he's learned rather than on the incident in Iraq.
Oliver Stone
This famous film director, known for such movies as The Doors, JFK, Natural Born Killers, and Any Given Sunday, enlisted in the US Army in April 1967 and requested combat duty in Vietnam. From September 27, 1967, to February 23, 1968, he served in Vietnam with 2nd Platoon, B Company, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division and was twice wounded in action. He was then transferred to the 1st Cavalry Division participating in long-range reconnaissance patrols before being transferred again to drive for a motorized infantry unit of the division until November 1968.
For his service, his military awards include the Bronze Star with "V" Device for valor, the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster to denote two awards, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar, Marksman Badge with Auto Rifle Bar, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Service Star, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Unit Citation with Palm, two Overseas Service Bars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Clinton “Clint” Romesha
Recipient of both the Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart, Clint Romesha is also an author, an active board member of America’s Warrior Partnership, and the spokesperson for PureTalk. Romesha enlisted in the Army in 1999. He deployed twice to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and once to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The defining moment in Romesha's military career came on October 3, 2009, during the Battle of Kamdesh in Afghanistan. Serving with Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Staff Sergeant Romesha found himself in the midst of one of the most intense and brutal engagements of Operation Enduring Freedom during the Afghan War.
On that morning, Staff Sergeant Romesha and his fellow soldiers awakened to an attack by an estimated 300 enemy fighters occupying the high ground on all four sides of the complex, employing concentrated fire from recoilless rifles, rocket propelled grenades, anti-aircraft machine guns, mortars and small arms fire.
The remote outpost of Combat Outpost Keating, nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, came under a coordinated and ferocious attack by enemy forces. Outnumbered and facing intense enemy fire, Romesha displayed unparalleled courage and leadership under fire.
Despite being wounded early in the battle, taking shrapnel wounds to his neck, shoulders, and arms, Romesha refused to retreat. With complete disregard for his own safety, he rallied his fellow soldiers and led armed forces in multiple counterattacks against the entrenched enemy positions.
Throughout the 13-hour battle, Romesha's indomitable spirit and tactical acumen were instrumental in repelling the enemy fighters’ onslaught. Despite these brave men being vastly outnumbered, Romesha and his fellow soldiers fought with unmatched bravery and determination, ultimately turning the tide of the battle.
Romesha's valor and humility have been widely celebrated. In 2013 he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama, making him the fourth living recipient of the honor for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. In the same year, he was inducted into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Romesha's exemplary service has been recognized with numerous other awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Army Commendation Medal with Valor.
Romesha chronicled his experiences during the Battle of Kamdesh in his gripping memoir, "Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor." Published in 2016, the book provides a firsthand account of the harrowing events that unfolded on that fateful day in Afghanistan.
Today, Romesha serves on the board of America's Warrior Partnership, an organization dedicated to ending veteran suicide, as brand ambassador for PureTalk, and as a veteran chaperone for Middle Georgia Honor Flight, most recently accompanying 25 veterans on a trip from Atlanta to the war memorials in Washington, D.C.
Remembering the Heroes
National Purple Heart Day is more than just a day on the calendar; it is a call to remember and honor the individuals who have given so much for their country.
So, fly the American flag, visit a memorial or a monument, and support veteran organizations.
As we commemorate this day, PureTalk invites you to take a moment to reflect on the bravery of those who have been wounded or lost their lives in battle and commit to supporting and remembering them always.
Posted 1 month ago