Mayor Mitchell proclaims Aug 7 ‘Purple Heart Day’ in New Bedford

Mayor Jon Mitchell has issued an official proclamation proclaiming this day, August 7, 2015, as “Purple Heart Day” in the City of New Bedford.

The Purple Heart Medal was first introduced by General George Washington on this day in 1782. The medal is awarded to U.S. military personnel who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action.

Mayor Mitchell called upon New Bedford residents to join him in expressing their appreciation for the sacrifices Purple Heart Medal recipients have made. “As a nation we have reserved Veterans Day and Memorial Day to honor our military service members, but I encourage our citizens to take time each day to reflect with gratitude on the sacrifices military veterans have made in defending our freedoms. When it comes to Purple Heart recipients, I believe it is important that we acknowledge their courage and show them the honor and support they have earned,” said Mayor Mitchell.

“I am pleased that Mayor Mitchell and the City of New Bedford have formally recognized Purple Heart Medal recipients on this anniversary of the first Purple Heart Medal. Many veterans in New Bedford and the surrounding region who have served at different points in time in our nation’s history have been awarded this medal and it is important that we continue to show our gratitude for their sacrifices,” Gomes said. Decorated United States Army Veteran Christopher Gomes is the City of New Bedford Veterans Agent and also a Purple Heart Medal recipient.

About the Purple Heart Medal
It is one of the most recognized and respected medals awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces. Introduced as the “Badge of Military Merit” by General George Washington on August 7, 1782, the Purple Heart is also the nation’s oldest military award. In military terms, the award had “broken service,” as it was ignored for nearly 150 years until it was re-introduced on February 22, 1932, on the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. The medal’s plain inscription “FOR MILITARY MERIT” barely expresses its significance. (Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)