In honor of Purple Heart Day, the Nebraska State Capitol will be illuminated in purple light on August 7, weather permitting. In addition, a proclamation recognizing Purple Heart Day in Nebraska will be signed by Governor Jim Pillen on August 19.
“Everyone who answers the call to protect our nation sacrifices something, but for some that sacrifice is a physical, perhaps even mortal, wound,” said Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) Director John Hilgert. “Purple Heart Day reminds us all of the very real, very serious dangers our servicemembers face. Today is about honoring their sacrifices and cherishing what we have because of it.”
First observed in 2014, Purple Heart Day is meant to honor and recognize the more than 1.8 million service members who have been awarded the Purple Heart. Originally created by George Washington as the Badge of Military Merit, the Purple Heart is the United States’ oldest military award. It is awarded to service members who are wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
To learn more about NDVA and how it serves Nebraska’s veterans and their families, please visit veterans.nebraska.gov.
