SE Illinois News

Aug. 7 is known as Purple Heart Day. It is a day set aside to honor the sacrifices of those who were wounded or killed in battle. On Aug. 7, Rep. Patrick Windhorst shared information about the day and acknowledged the sacrifices of those military personel.

"Today we acknowledge, honor, and remember the sacrifices made by our military servicemembers and those who have earned the Purple Heart," Windhorst said. "Thank you to these brave heroes and their families for all they have given for our nation."

Patrick Windhorst was first elected to the Illinois House in 2018. A Republican, their legislative experience includes serving on the Restorative Justice Committee and Judiciary - Criminal. Windhorst is a state representative who resides in Metropolis, according to the Illinois House.

In an Aug 4 post, the USO noted that more than 1.8 million service members have been awarded the Purple Heart medal since its creation in 1782, but its origins go back to 1780, with the Fidelity medallion, which was replaced by the Badge of Military Merit, created by President George Washington and awarded to all ranks. The first to receive the Badge of Military Merit were William Brown and Elijah Churchill, during the Revolutionary War. These two were members of the Continental Army.

Economic Times offered tips on how to celebrate Purple Heart Day in an Aug. 6 article. Those tips included attending local ceremonies to honor Purple Heart recipients, donating to veterans’ causes and support organizations, visiting memorials, and connecting with veterans in your community.

The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs hosted a ceremony for Purple Heart Day in the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda on Aug. 7. Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Erica Jeffries spoke. Her remarks, in part, follow: "Today we come together to honor and remember the brave men and women who fought for America's Freedom. The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after April 5, 1917, has been wounded or killed. The Purple Heart differs from most other decorations in that an individual is not "recommended" for the decoration; rather he or she is entitled to it upon meeting specific criteria."