NEWS RELEASE
GOVERNOR GRETCHEN WHITMER
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LANSING — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has recognized Aug. 7, 2022, as Purple Heart Day to remember and pay honor to the service members of the U.S. Armed Forces that were wounded or killed in enemy action while serving our country.
“On Purple Heart Day, we honor those who put their lives on the line for our nation and the timeless cause of freedom,” said Governor Whitmer. “We owe our wounded service members, veterans and fallen heroes our gratitude. Thank you for standing up for us all and sacrificing so much to keep us safe. We will honor your service through our words and our actions.”
“We acknowledge the bravery and valor displayed by these courageous soldiers who took up arms to fight for our nation,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “Those who suffered an injury or lost their lives in the line of duty deserve our admiration and gratitude as do the families of our fallen heroes.
The Purple Heart was originally introduced in 1782 by General George Washington as the Badge of Military Merit and was awarded to soldiers in the Continental Army who fought during the American Revolution. It was not until the bicentennial of his birth in 1932 that the award became known as the Purple Heart. The first service member to receive the modern-day Purple Heart was Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur for his service in the Pacific theater during World War II.
View the proclamation here.
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