Jacksonville Honors Purple Heart Recipients
On Monday, Aug. 7, the City of Jacksonville’s Military Affairs and Veterans Department and the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 524 hosted a ceremony for Purple Heart Recognition Day at the Veterans Memorial Wall and Purple Heart Trail.
“The Purple Heart is more than just a medal,” said Past National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and Purple Heart Recipient Christopher Vedvick during the ceremony. “It is a symbol of valor, courage and love of country that binds all who have served.”
The ceremony’s speakers also included Mayor Donna Deegan and keynote Jennifer Brown, who is a veteran and executive director of KIPP Jacksonville. Brown is the first female veteran to serve as the event’s keynote speaker for this annual day of remembrance for our military city.
“To the distinguished Purple Heart recipients, I come with the utmost admiration and gratitude for your unwavering commitment to honor, duty and valor,” Brown said. “Your sacrifices in the line of duty, your unwavering bravery in the face of adversity and your unyielding spirit in the pursuit of justice exemplify the very essence of what it means to be a hero.”
To date, nearly two million servicemembers have been awarded the Purple Heart.
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