The Stewart County Purple Heart Ceremony was hosted by Dover Squadron 72 on Aug. 27.
A small crowd gathered inside the Stewart County Visitors Center to honor and remember those who have served and are still serving who have received a Purple Heart. Squadron 72 member Jerry Reynolds opened the ceremony with a prayer, Jamie Morrow, Unit 72 Auxiliary member, led those in attendance with the national anthem, and Squadron Commander Don Bailey spoke about the history of the Purple Heart and a few recipients.
At his headquarters in Newburgh, N.Y., on Aug. 7, 1782, Gen. George Washington devised two new badges of distinction for enlisted men and noncommissioned officers. The second badge, for "any singularly meritorious Action," was the "Figure of a Heart in Purple Cloth or Silk edged with narrow Lace or Binding." This device, the Badge of Military Merit, was affixed to the uniform coat above the left breast and permitted its wearer to pass guards and sentinels without challenge and to have his name and regiment inscribed in a Book of Merit. The badge specifically honored the lower ranks, where decorations were unknown in contemporary European armies. As Washington intended, the road to glory in a patriot army is thus open to all.
About 1.07 million Purple Hearts were awarded during World War II, more than in all of the other conflicts of the 20th century combined.
Audie Murphy received the Purple Heart three times during World War II. He also received every combat award for valor available from the Army - including the Medal of Honor - as well as French and Belgian awards for heroism.
The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is in New Windsor, N.Y.
At the conclusion of the ceremony Purple Heart flags, along with the U.S. Armed Forces flags and our national flag, were placed in front of the Visitors Center. More than 1.8 million American servicemembers have been awarded the Purple Heart, either having been wounded or killed in action. These brave heroes are deserving of our deepest thanks and gratitude. Today’s ceremony is just a token of our appreciation for all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, who have served and who are serving in our armed forces today.